Contact us
0300 123 3444
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medch.stroke.services@nhs.net
Who we are
Our stroke service is responsible for all patients who have had a stroke. The service is a multi-disciplinary team and all clinicians are experts in their field.
As stroke is a medical emergency, it is important to get anyone expected of having a stroke to Accident and Emergency (A&E) as quickly as possible. The Face Arm Speech Time (FAST) test is used by paramedics to diagnose a stroke prior to a person being admitted to hospital. FAST requires an assessment of three symptoms of a stroke.
- Facial weakness - has their mouth or eye dropped, can they smile.
- Arm weakness - can the person raise both arms in the air.
- Speech weakness - can the person talk normally, can they understand you.
- Time - to call 999.
What we do
We are a multi-disciplinary community team that provide therapy input across a pathway of care in Medway and Swale for patients with a new diagnosis of stroke.
Services provided include:
- inpatient rehabilitation
- early supported discharge.
- medium term community rehabilitation.
Endeavour Stroke Unit at Harmony House is a 18 bed unit offering specialist stroke rehabilitation. It is a nurse/therapy lead unit with access to GP’s with back up from MedOCC if required.
Ethos
The ethos of the unit is to help you relearn skills and learning strategies to help you participate in activities of daily living.
Rehabilitation does not just take part in a gym, it happens in every activity you need to do from toileting and washing through to moving and talking. Our aim is for you to be as independent as possible in all activities of daily living.
Care plans
While we aim to individualise your care plans the day on the unit is structured and you will be encouraged to participate in all unit activities such as groups and meals in the dining room.
On admission
On admission to the unit you and your family will be given the opportunity to meet with the unit manager or a senior member of staff. This initial meeting will give you more information on what to expect during your stay on the Endeavour Unit, how long your stay is likely to be and some feedback on initial assessment.
Keyworkers
Endeavour runs a keyworker system. You will be allocated a key worker who will be the main person for you or your family to make contact with should you have any concerns or questions. However should you have any immediate concerns please ask any one of the staff who will be happy to answer your questions or make a convenient time to do this.
Assessment
You will be assessed by all relevant professionals (OT, PT, SLT and nurses).
Following assessment treatment plans will be devised and discussed with you. If appropriate you will also be given an individual exercise programme. Therapy is based on an individual need and can vary in frequency, intensity and time
Family meetings
A family meeting will be arranged within the first two to three weeks of your admission and this will give the opportunity for patients and their family to meet and talk with all members of the team and obtain further feedback on progress in therapy. The team will begin to discuss discharge plans in this meeting.
Other information
We encourage all patients to get dressed into their own clothes. Please bring in loose, comfortable clothing and suitable footwear (well-fitting slippers, trainers).
Flowers are allowed however please be aware when they begin to die the staff will take the decision to throw them away. You must provide your own vase.
Visiting times
Monday to Sunday, 10am to 12noon and 2 to 8pm
Visiting is closed from 12.30 to 2pm for protected mealtimes.