Different Strokes
To receive a presentation from John Murray, Different Strokes, on the work of the organisation and views on issues around stroke prevention services in Haringey.
Minutes:
The panel received a presentation from John Murray, Coordinator Different Strokes North London Group.
Different Strokes is a charity which was founded in 1996. The North London Branch was founded in 2001 and currently has approximately 100 members with ages ranging from 18 to 70 years. The average age of members is 45 years, with many having had a stroke in their twenties.
Aim: Through active self-help and mutual support, our aim is to help stroke survivors of working age optimise their recovery, take control of their lives and regain as much independence as possible, including returning to work.
Haringey Adult Learning Service provides the main funding.
Different Strokes meets on a Monday and a Wednesday morning in Wood Green Library, they also have monthly newsletters and outside speakers.
Different Strokes is primarily for people of working age, but people continue to attend after this age.
90% of Different Strokes members have been unable to return to work after suffering a stroke.
John is a Lay Member of the Stroke Research Network (a national body) and is also a member of the Prevention clinical studies group.
John is currently meeting Stroke Physicians to discuss issues and is also arranging visits to stroke units. John will also attend visits for this review.
Strokes have a devastating affect on people lives; they are difficult to recover from, have an impact on the lives of family members, can cause physical and emotional changes in a person as well as lifestyle changes – all of which are difficult to cope with.
The impact is felt acutely by families as the person who has had the stroke is often ‘not with it’.
The panel heard John’s own personal story of his stroke – this is a clear demonstration of the feelings and processes a person and their family goes through and will be appended in the final report of this review panel.
Key Issue is the lack of awareness;
A Stroke Association MORI poll in 2005 showed that only 50% of people can identify what a stroke is with only 40% being able to recognise certain symptoms and approximately 30% would call an ambulance/go to a hospital.
Nearly 1 in 5 GPs in a National Audit Office study said that they do not refer patients who have had a TIA.
Important factors to bear in mind:
‘FAST’ (Face, Arms, Speech Test) is crucial and should be routine.
Accident and Emergency must be able to recognise a Stroke or TIA and treat this appropriately within the specified time frame (e.g. Thrombolysis within 3 hrs).
This should be recorded and followed up appropriately.
Noted that there is frequent pressure from the Department for Work and Pensions regarding their benefits. ... view the full minutes text for item 5