STROKE victims across West Somerset are receiving tailor-made care thanks to a new specialist unit. Williton Hospital created a dedicated unit for stroke patients within the Somerset Coast Primary Care Trust area when it designated 12 beds in a 25-bed ward for their care. And although the scheme has been up and running since last November, health chiefs held an official opening ceremony last week. Hospital matron Anne Henson said the new unit had been set up under the Government's national service framework, which had identified improvements needed nationally in the care of stroke patients. "Patients still go to Musgrove initially but can be transferred to us within 72 hours. "It has been very successful - we are a small community hospital and obviously although patients get marvellous care at Musgrove, we can give them something extra." Mrs Henson said the unit had been virtually full since it was opened and had received widespread praise from health professionals. Physiotherapy and occupational therapy staff are on hand to aid recovery, which can take anything from a few weeks to a few months. "We have a high success rate and many people have been able to go home, rather than on to nursing or residential care," said Mrs Henson. To complement the new unit, a new family support service offering additional help and advice to stroke victims and their carers has also been set up at the hospital. Launched by the Stroke Association in partnership with Somerset County Council's community directorate within the last couple of weeks, the service is aimed at helping survivors cope with the emotional and other difficulties they face as a result of their strokes. Stroke Association regional manager Elaine Clements said a high number of referrals was expected. "This will help provide stroke survivors and their carers with a seamless transfer of care and essential support as they leave hospital and return to the community." An estimated 130,000 people have a stroke each year in England and Wales and it is the UK's third biggest killer.
