A Nottingham based partnership has developed a pioneering approach that will help stroke survivors throughout the East Midlands to achieve a better recovery – and the initiative could soon benefit thousands of people nationwide.

The partners; including the East Midlands Academic Health Science Network (EMAHSN), East Midlands Strategic Clinical Network (EMSCN) and The University of Nottingham are championing the provision of evidence based care for stroke survivors in the community.

One key element is the provision of six month reviews, essential for ongoing patient improvements following a stroke. The team are working to ensure that all stroke survivors in the East Midlands receive a standardised follow up review that will assess their needs after they have been discharged from hospital. The team's approach is different because it is a unique combination of academia, service improvement experts and frontline healthcare professionals which together are working to ensure stroke patients in the East Midlands receive evidence based stroke care.

Dr Rebecca Fisher, from The University of Nottingham and Stroke Rehabilitation lead for the EMAHSN, with Professor Marion Walker, said: "Stroke is the leading cause of adult disability, and the greatest impact occurs when survivors leave hospital. The demand for stroke care delivered in the community is increasing and it is vital to the person's recovery that they receive consistent care and support in their local area."

"Our research has provided clarity around what an evidence based care pathway for stroke survivors living in the community should look like; provision of six month reviews is an essential part. Currently there is wide variation in how these reviews are carried out across the country and worryingly a lot of places, including parts of the East Midlands, still don't offer this service for patients".

The team are holding a regional event on 12 February to stimulate commissioning of the six month reviews across the region. The event is focused on supporting the commissioning process in order to help commissioners make informed decisions for their areas.

Funding for the initiative has been provided by the East Midlands Academic Health Science Network, an NHS agency that works with universities, health bodies, the East Midlands Strategic Clinical Network and businesses to identify and spread innovation in health care. As a result of partnership working the East Midlands has some of the best examples of community stroke services. Further collaborative working will ensure progress continues to be achieved in practice.

EMAHSN Managing Director Professor Rachel Munton said: "This project has developed essential learning and best practice that will deliver clear improvements for the care of stroke survivors – initially across the East Midlands and potentially throughout the country. By providing community based care when and where people need it, it will reduce the burdens and pressures put on patients, carers and service providers – this can only help their chances of recovery."

The event on 12 February takes place at the East Midlands Conference Centre in Nottingham. It will be the first time in the region that commissioners of stroke services – local Clinical Commissioning Groups – have come together to consider ways to improve care for stroke survivors.

Experiences of stroke survivors six months reviews will be shared at the event and a DVD has been produced with guidance to support commissioners, ensuring consistency of patient care with a step by step guide showing why the six month review is so vital and how it should be delivered.

Professor Tom Robinson, Clinical Director at the EMSCN said: "Together with our partners we have worked in collaboration with providers, commissioners and patients to agree an evidence based service specification for community stroke rehabilitation services. This is positively supporting commissioners and providers in service development and improvement, enabling consistently excellent care for patients."

The project team has identified that public and patient involvement is essential to the future success any stroke rehabilitation programmes going forward.

Karen Harvey, a Nottinghamshire stroke survivor is assisting the project team, having previously worked in the NHS and now undertaking a PhD at The University of Nottingham.

"It's had a massive impact; I am growing in confidence all the time." She said. "I have learned that it is OK to fail at some things but you don't give up, you try again."

Karen continued: "When I heard about the project to ensure six month reviews are carried out consistently across the region I was really keen to get involved. The reviews are an important part of the rehabilitation process and every patient deserves to have a consistent level of care. Having patient input into policy implementation and research is really important, so I've been really excited about helping."

Karen is volunteering with Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust – assisting others who suffer strokes.

The project team is rolling out the guidance across the East Midlands and when full findings are available will be supplying best practice examples for the rest of the country to use. The team will also continue to work on ensuring stroke survivors can receive care and support in a local setting and are already working with local people affected by stroke.

For interview requests and media enquiries contact

Lucy Hose, Communications Specialist, EMAHSN: 0115 748 4243 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Posted on Thursday 6th February 2014