Cardiac and stroke services improving

SERVICES to cardiac and stroke patients in the region are gradually being improved thanks to the Peninsula Heart and Stroke Network.

Funded by the Department of Health, the network is part of a new NHS improvement programme to deliver and sustain improvements across pathways of care.

This is achieved by working with clinical networks and NHS organisations.

The network works locally as a partnership between primary care and acute trusts, South West Ambulance Service and commissioners.

Network manager Michelle Roe said: "The shared aim of the network is to improve the timeliness and quality of treatment for the local community who have, or are at, risk of developing heart disease and stroke.

"The network fully believes that the voice of patients and carers with experience of cardiac and stroke should be central in decision-making to support redesigning, planning and commissioning of stroke services."

The network is currently working with the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital as part of a national stroke improvement programme.

Network clinical lead Martin James has been overseeing these projects. He said: "The network has been supporting the RD&E hospital's many stroke services, including a pilot project to help people who have a mini stroke out of hours. This will mean patients will receive important and appropriate treatment faster.

"Lessons learnt from these projects will be shared with organisations across the Peninsula to improve care for patients."

The network is interested in hearing from people who have suffered from strokes of have had family experience of strokes. There is a public stroke consultation day taking place on Thursday at Westpoint, Exeter. For details, call 01392 403145.