Last updated 20:04, Thursday, 18 September 2008

A £1 MILLION scheme is to transform support for stroke victims in Cumbria.

NHS Cumbria is to launch new community teams so people can be helped to recovery in their homes and cut time spent in hospital.

They say around 1,300 new patients each year could receive community rehabilitation after suffering strokes or other neurological diseases.

Dr Mark Roberts, consultant in rehabilitation medicine at the trust said he was delighted at the cash, which will also benefit people with Parkinson’s, and Multiple Sclerosis. It could also support those who have suffered spinal injuries.

The teams will work with hospitals, by putting together packages of care for patients who have been discharged.They will employing occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and speech therapists.

Cockermouth GP John Howarth, who is also helping NHS Cumbria to develop the service said: “The development of this specialist community service is going to make a real difference to the lives of many Cumbrians who suffer from strokes and other neurological diseases.More support will be available to help people live as independently as possible. Families and carers of patients will also get more support.”

The new service is expected to be operational early next year and the trust is expected to save around £200,000.