About our service

Stroke rehabilitation is a planned programme between the patient, family and rehabilitation team members, promoting health and wellbeing and achieving the best level of functional ability for the individual. Rehabilitation should not stop when a person is discharged from hospital, and many stroke patients require ongoing rehabilitation in order to maximise their functional abilities, minimise complications and promote full participation at home and in the community.

Our team, made up of occupational therapists, physiotherapists, speech & language therapists, specialised therapy assistants and an administration secretary are all equipped with a variety of skills and knowledge within stroke rehabilitation, and all of our professionals have registration with appropriate professional governing body.

We aim to provide a multi-disciplinary service for patients discharged from hospital with a diagnosis of a recent stroke (within 6 months) who are registered with a GP within the County Durham and Darlington District locality. Referrals may also be made from other health professionals and organisations including your GP and the Stroke Association. 
 
The rehabilitation programme will continue as long as the patient has the ability and motivation to achieve realistic goals set and agreed between patient and therapist. Our team will also provide information on stroke and secondary prevention and support the patient and family through the rehabilitation process. We can also signpost people to other relevant teams within our community services upon discharge.

Our team are also supported by the Stroke Association family support workers and a referral can be made by the team or by contacting the Stroke Association. The family and carer support service is a visiting service that gives practical information and emotional support to families and carers of people who have had a stroke.

You can contact the Community Stroke Rehabilitation Team by telephone: 0191 569 2819, email: cdda-tr.strokecommunityrehabteam@nhs.net or via post: Sedgefield Community Hospital, Salters Lane, Sedgefield, County Durham, TS21 3EE

A stroke happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off. Stroke is sudden and the effects on the body are immediate. Every stroke is different and people are affected in different ways. There are two main causes of stroke:

  • The most common type is a blockage. This is called an ischaemic stroke which happens when a clot blocks an artery.
  • The second type of stroke is a bleed when a blood vessel bursts. This is called a haemorrhagic stroke.

  • Every year an estimated 100,000 people in the UK have a stroke. That’s one person every five minutes. Most people are over the age of 65 but anyone can have a stroke including children. (The Stroke Association)
  • Every year 40,000 people under the age of 65, have a stroke in the UK. (Source: Different Strokes)
  • Stroke is one of the leading causes of death in the UK. It is the single most common cause of disability. There are 1.3 million stroke survivors in the UK.