A new "Stroke Team" designed to support people in their own homes has been launched in Lochaber in early Oct. Lochaber MSP Fergus Ewing officailly opened the team's new offices in Belhaven ward in Fort William.
The Stroke team will provide valuable help to people who have suffered from a stroke in addition to the existing Neurovascular Clinic in the Belford Hospital.
The team consists of an occupational therapist, a physio, a speech and language therapist and a stroke nurse. Linda Campbell,stroke co-ordinator for NHS Highland said, " The team which has been suported by the Stroke Managed Clinical Network, will provide stroke rehabilitation services to patients in the community in their own homes. As well as preventing admissions to hospital they will also support earlier discharge for stroke patients. Money from the Highland Cross 2005 has provided new offices. This will provide a much needed local base for the Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland nurse working in the area.
Fergus Ewing said" Now rather than contracting services in Lochaber we are gaining an excellent new service".
