Community rehabilitation used to be hugely variable in our region and provided via different models of care, with several areas offering no specialist services at all.
Led by our Community Clinical Director Tracy Walker, we have implemented more integrated models of community rehabilitation for stroke and neurorehabilitation patients, so that residents receive the same high level care regardless of where they live. Almost all boroughs in the region now offer these models of care to their residents.
Our stroke model mandates the professionals needed within the core team and provides guidance on staffing levels. It details pathways of care and where possible (based on the evidence), outlines what care should be provided and by when. The model advocates early involvement of the voluntary sector to support life after stroke, and also details access to key NHS support services such as orthoptics.
A similar model has been developed for neurorehabilitation that can be delivered as part of a single specialist service – either via joint (i.e. with stroke) or separate teams. We have presented this as wider NHS England work to transform neurology services. You can view a webinar here – you will need to sign up to the NHS Futures Platform.
We also collect data in community to help understand the quality of care being provided in each area. Professionals can find out more here.
You can hear from Ken and Tammy about the support they received in Bolton following Ken’s stroke in June 2019. You can also view a webinar explaining our work.