There are 18 stroke unit beds at Epsom Hospital and 24 at St Helier Hospital, providing acute and rehabilitation stroke care. Both units have two stroke physicians, a specialist nurse, dietitian and full therapy team (physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy).
There is also access to clinical neuropsychology on both units.
The stroke units are equipped with monitors to assess patients' vital signs, if required, during the acute phase of their care.
Patient care
Both stroke units benefit from daily consultant input, Monday to Friday, and weekly multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss each patient's progress and plan of care.
Patients are provided with information regarding their type of stroke, risk factors, health and lifestyle advice, and details of any therapy or support to be provided on discharge from hospital. Families are kept fully involved and informed (with the patient's consent).
Epsom Hospital
The stroke unit at Epsom Hospital is part of the Surrey cardiac and stroke network and has recently introduced thrombolysis (clot busting treatment) for acute stroke in normal working hours (Monday to Friday).
Out of hours, patients suitable for thrombolysis are taken by the ambulance service directly to either St Georges Hospital, Tooting or the Royal Surrey County Hospital, Guildford.
St Helier Hospital
The stroke unit at St Helier Hospital is part of the London cardiac and stroke network.
London has chosen to centralise hyperacute stroke services with all suspected stroke patients being taken directly to one of 8 hyperacute units (HASU), usually St Georges Hospital for our patients. Thrombolysis is available 24 hours a day there.
Patients are repatriated to St Helier within 72 hours of their admission to the HASU for ongoing acute care and rehabilitation.
Physiotherapy and occupational therapy
Physiotherapy and occupational therapy play a key role in the rehabilitation of stroke patients. The hospitals have a gymnasium to aid physiotherapy, and facilities where occupational therapists can assess patients' ability to look after themselves at home. This helps to ensure patients are prepared for discharge from the hospital and ongoing rehabilitation.
Neurovascular clinics
Neurovascular clinics are available at both hospitals, held daily Monday to Friday. Patients with a suspected high risk TIA (transient ischaemic attack or mini-stroke), i.e. those scoring four or more on the ABCD2 risk score, are investigated, assessed, and a plan of care established within 24 hours of referral. Patients with a lower risk score (scoring below 4) are seen in the TIA clinic within seven days of referral.
Patient forums
Patient forums take place on both sites and involve previous stroke patients in developing the stroke service further.
Education and training
We have a well-established in-house education programme for all staff working with stroke patients. Study days covering specific topics on the care of stroke patients are held jointly with other stroke units in South London twice a year.
