COVID-19

The network is working closely with local stakeholders to ensure the regional stroke pathway is maintained during the pandemic. We have an agreed protocol to make amendments to the pathway, as and when they are needed. We are working with teams to help them develop and implement recovery and restoration plans in line with national guidance as we move into the next phase of the pandemic.

Our inpatient and community stroke services are fully operational, albeit with more remote working. We would encourage our clinical colleagues to engage with their local stroke teams for advice and support to ensure patients do not miss out on specialist care, including those who experience a Transient Ischaemic Attack.

Professionals can download key documents such as the pathway protocol here (you will need to be registered and login), with general resources at the bottom of this page.

The NHS have published guidance to support clinicians during the outbreak and we are supporting teams to ensure it is implemented. We have also developed similar guidance for community stroke services.

Watch a video featuring Lucy, the vice chair of our Patient & Carer Group and stroke survivor, about why acting F.A.S.T. and dialing 999 is so important during the pandemic.

We have now instigated regular teleconferences between our key stakeholders so local teams can work together more easily as events unfold. Contact lisa.chadwick@srft.nhs.uk if you want to be invited:

All community teams – Tuesday 11am (fortnightly)
All Stroke Units – Monday 12pm (fortnightly)
Southern Sector Forum – Wednesday 12pm (every 2-3 weeks)
NW Central Sector Forum – Thursday 12pm (every 2-3 weeks)
NE Sector Forum – Friday 12pm (every 2-3 weeks)

We are in regular contact with other organisations including the North West Ambulance Service, as well as other regions.

We are co-ordinating with our local voluntary sector organisations (BASIC, Speakeasy, Stroke Association and Think Ahead) and have amended referral pathways to ensure our patients and carers can access additional support. We have funded a pilot to move Speakeasy’s services online to provide additional support to people affected by aphasia.

We have resumed our other regular activities and meetings, and have re-launched our training programme in virtual format.

You may find our web page on using digital technology useful as teams are now working more virtually.

You can contact the network team here.

Resources

COVID-19

NHS COVID-19 advice for healthcare professionals

Third phase of NHS response (31 July 2020)

GiRFT/Oxford AHSN: Restoration and recovery of stroke services during the COVID-19 pandemic guidance (July-2020) and webinar

GiRFT/Oxford AHSN: Adapting stroke services during the COVID-19 pandemic: an implementation guide

Inpatient

British Association of Stroke Physicians COVID-19 resources

Association of British Neurologists COVID-19 response & resources