Stroke patient praises new pilot service

The Stroke Association’s six month review service commissioned by Bedfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group (BCCG) gives stroke survivors who have had a stroke in the last six to eight months, the opportunity to speak to someone about how they’re feeling, and to raise any concerns they may have.

One person who has already benefitted from this service in Bedford is Janet Powell, who had a stroke in March, aged 77. She felt unwell one morning and began to feel numbness on the left-side of her body. After checking her blood pressure and calling her GP for advice, they referred her to A&E immediately after recognising the signs of stroke.

Janet spent over two weeks in hospital where she was left with weakness in the left side of her body as well as fatigue.

She said: “I am very grateful to the Stroke Association for all of their help and support after my stroke. Without them, it’s scary to think that I could have had another stroke due to my high blood pressure.

“The local co-ordinator from the Stroke Association pushed to get me a GP appointment as I couldn’t get one myself. She was so helpful and has provided me with endless information, advice and reassurance that I am not alone. Without her I would be scared to think of what could have happened to me after my stroke.

“I am determined not to let me stroke stop me from doing the things I love. I just know my limits and have to be mindful to look after myself. I am so proud of my courage, acceptance and the way I have worked to improve my left-sided weakness after my stroke. I’m really enjoying the gym and taekwondo classes the Stroke Association have helped me find.”

Sara Betsworth, regional head of operations at the Stroke Association, said: ‘Stroke is life-changing. This incredibly cruel condition strikes in an instant, and affects over 100,000 people living in the East of England.

“Stroke Association services, such as this new six month review pilot service, can really make a difference to lives of stroke survivors. It’s hugely important that stroke survivors feel supported in their local community throughout their road to recovery.”

For more information, please contact Wendy Jephcote on 01284 760006 or email [email protected]