Stroke Rehabilitation (Phoenix Team)

We are very fortunate to have the Stroke Rehabilitation (Phoenix Team) based at St Peter’s Hospital if you require ongoing inpatient rehabilitation after your stroke.

• Contact Details
• What is Stroke Rehabilitation?
• How long will I need to stay in hospital?
• What Will Happen After Hospital?
• Related Links

The Stroke Rehabilitation (Phoenix team) consists of a group of neurological rehabilitation specialists who provide therapy and support for patients who are not yet ready to leave hospital. It is a short term service and although length of stay is individualised our average time on the team is approximately 4 weeks. The team will see you on the ward or in the therapy gym.

Contact Details

Stroke Unit (Aspen Ward): 01932 723907

What is Stroke Rehabilitation?

Stroke rehabilitation is the process of adjusting to the damage caused by a stroke and finding ways to keep as much independence as possible. This may mean re-learning lost skills, finding alternative ways of doing things, or adapting your situation.

Common areas that are considered are:

• Balance
• Limb movement and strength
• Communication
• Swallowing
• Thinking skills
• Bladder /bowel control
• Mood and confidence

Rehabilitation cannot be done for you and it is important to work together with your therapists. It is often hard work and it takes motivation, practise and time. Being ill and in hospital leads to a loss of your fitness, and your treatment needs to be paced for you.

During your rehabilitation with the Phoenix team:

• You will be provided with the opportunity to set personal rehabilitation goals with the therapists which are realistic and achievable and have a time frame.
• Your progress and goals will be discussed and reviewed on a weekly basis.
• You may have a family meeting to discuss your treatment plan, goals and discharge planning with your named therapists.
• Depending on your individual circumstances you may require a visit to your home to ensure safe discharge.
• You will be provided with the essential equipment for your safe discharge. Other types of equipment may be recommended and the therapists will be able to provide you and your family with more information on this.
• We encourage your family to be involved. Your family can play an important role in telling us about your lifestyle and hobbies, bring in items from home like toiletries and photographs and be involved in your rehabilitation exercises and plans.

Progress depends on the severity and type of stroke you have had, but also your previous health, your ability to engage with the rehabilitation process and your own determination. It is an individual process.

Unfortunately, it is not always possible to regain your independence. Progress can be restricted if you have had a large stroke, if you become unwell or due to side effects of a stroke such as fatigue.

How long will I need to stay in hospital?

Your individual discharge plan will depend on how independent you become and your own social circumstances. Everyone is different.

Preparing for discharge begins as soon as you arrive. We use our expertise to predict the likely course of your progress and your future requirements. It is usually possible to make this judgement based on the severity of a person’s illness. However, plans may alter to reflect changes in conditions.

For discharge from hospital you will need to be medically well enough to be safe and have reached a point when you don’t require inpatient treatment.

What Will Happen After Hospital?

When inpatient rehabilitation is no longer required then staff at the hospital may discuss ongoing goals and arranging additional services for you to support your return home. These may include:

• Referrals for further rehabilitation at home which will be discussed with you and your family if appropriate.
• If you need personal help at home or you require a care home, Social Services will plan this with you and your family. Services available after leaving hospital will be explained at your meetings and planned before discharge.
• Other community services such as Meals on Wheels and The Stroke Association

Your GP will be responsible for your medical care after discharge and will receive a letter from the hospital. You will get a new prescription. It is important that you continue to take your prescribed medications and follow any advice you have been given.

Related Links

• The Stroke Association (The National Stroke Charity)
  www.stroke.org.uk or 0303 3033 100