Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust’s new Stroke Unit at Tonbridge Cottage Hospital was officially opened today (8 May), by BBC South East television presenter, Rob Smith, during Stroke Awareness Month.
The new Stroke Unit will provide dedicated, specialist care to stroke patients from Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells. The Unit also has the facilities to provide physiotherapy and occupational therapy for patients.
Previously, stroke patients were treated in a combined Neuro Rehabilitation Unit, at Kent &Sussex Hospital, which also looked after patients with other neurological problems and people with serious head injuries.
The new unit will allow the focus to be solely upon stroke patients and will allow specialist staff to work with them and their families to provide the best possible treatment to aid their recovery.
The official opening, this morning, was combined with a coffee morning for all patients at the unit, their families, other guests and members of the public.
Stroke Unit nurse, Claire Manneh, said:
“The opening of this unit is a very exciting event for us. We have fantastic facilities here which are dedicated to stroke patients, their treatment and rehabilitation. We are very pleased so many people came along today and we are very proud of what we have to show them here at the Stroke Unit.”
Maidstone Hospital also has a dedicated Stroke Unit. Stroke Awareness Month runs throughout the month of May.
Further information from Communications Manager Gianna Pollero-Payne on 01622 225858.