Your in-hospital stroke care at our Purley 3 Stroke Unit
Welcome to the Croydon University Hospital stroke unit on Purley 3 ward
Purley 3 is a 26 bedded ward located on the 1st floor of the Orange zone.
What is a stroke?
A stroke happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off, killing brain cells. Damage to the brain can affect how the body works. It can also change how you think and feel. The effects of a stroke depend on where it takes place in the brain, and how big the damaged area is.
Different types of stroke
There are three different types of stroke:
An ischaemic stroke is caused by a blockage cutting off the blood supply to the brain. This is the most common type of stroke.
A haemorrhagic stroke is caused by bleeding in or around the brain.
A transient ischaemic attack or TIA is also known as a mini-stroke. It is the same as a stroke, except that the symptoms only last for a short amount of time. This is because the blockage that stops the blood getting to your brain is temporary
Recovery of function after a stroke varies from case to case and in the early days it is difficult to know how much improvement will be achieved.The stroke team will discuss with you personalised goals during your time with us.
For more information on what a stroke is please visit https://www.stroke.org.uk/what-is-stroke .
Facilities
The ward includes a gym, a quiet room and an outpatient TIA clinic.
We also have a day room , which you are welcome to use and share with your visitors. There is a fridge in which you can store your own food, as well as a microwave. Please note the day room is used for ward meetings and therapy sessions during the working day.
There is a roof-top garden area which can be accessed through the day room. You and your visitors are welcome to enjoy it during visiting hours.
What to expect during your stay / the plan whilst here
Your stay will vary between 1 day and 4 weeks depending on individual needs.
You will be looked after by a team of the following stroke specialists who will be working together to provide holistic care and support during rehabilitation:
- Doctors
- Nurses
- Physiotherapists - “We create individualised exercise programs specifically catered to their needs. We provide mobility and transfer assessments using a variety of mediums. We work towards treatment goals together and work towards them.”
- Occupational therapists - “We work with you to improve your ability in carrying out your usual activities - sometimes known as activities of daily living”
- Speech and language therapists - “ We work with patients on both communication and swallowing”.
- Communication: We provide assessment and therapy for communication disorders such as aphasia, dysarthria, apraxia of speech and cognitive communication difficulties. We also help to facilitate meetings for others such as capacity assessments with the social workers.
- Swallow: We provide assessment and therapy for swallow disorders after stroke. We may recommend changes to diet and fluids in order to avoid chest infections and to make eating and drinking easier. We work closely with nursing and dietitian colleagues to ensure that patients are eating and drinking safely to meet their nutritional and hydration needs.
- Clinical psychologist - “a clinical neuropsychologist aids patients and explores the connection between thought and perception after a stroke“
- Dietician - “ We look after patients’ nutrition, assessing how we can optimise their dietary intake and provide nutritional support where needed in order to prevent malnutrition. We work closely with the speech and language therapists to help optimise the diet in keeping with the safety of their swallow.
Ward rounds - The medical team does daily ward rounds Mon - Fri.
Team meetings - The team of doctors, nurses and therapists meet daily to discuss urgent issues, and once a week to discuss your care and rehabilitation plan in detail.
Key workers
You will be allocated a key worker. Your key worker will
- Acts as a link between you, your family and the ward team.
- Provide information about your stroke and progress on the ward.
- Discuss any concerns you or your family may have, and arrange family meetings as necessary
- Ensure a smooth discharge from hospital.
- Write any important information regarding your care in the Stroke Guide located at the foot of your bed.
Due to patient confidentiality, we require the express agreement of the patient before sharing information with anyone. Please nominate one person (usually next of kin) as the main point of contact with our team.
Discharge
Discharge is carefully discussed with the multidisciplinary team.
When you leave, a discharge letter with lists of medication will be given to you. A copy of the discharge letter will be sent to your General Practitioner.
Any outpatient clinic appointments will be sent through the post.
Please make arrangements for transport on discharge as it will prevent any delay in getting home once discharged. Please speak to staff if this is an issue.
You will be asked to complete the Friends and Family Test feedback card. Providing your feedback is vital to helping us improve the NHS services and support patient choice.
What to bring with you
- Basic toiletry items.
- Slippers and well-fitting shoes for rehabilitation sessions.
- Comfortable day clothes and nightwear
- Books, magazines, and if you have them smartphone or tablet computer. Please wear headphones to avoid disturbing other patients.
- Radios and TVs may also be brought but please speak to a member of staff beforehand.
- Ear plugs are also recommended as the ward can be noisy at night.
- Flowers: only allowed in spongy foam oasis or small potted plant.
Free wifi – on your smartphone or tablet:
1. Go to your device settings and turn wifi on.
2. Select CHS-Guest (check this is the same).
3. Follow on-screen instructions to connect.
Mealtimes
The trust operates protected mealtimes this means we do not allow visitors during mealtimes, to allow patients to focus on eating. If you wish to have family support during your meals, please discuss with your nurse or key worker.
Lunch 12 – 1 pm / Dinner 5 - 6 pm.
We also hold a lunch club, where patients are supported to have their meals in our hospital restaurant. Please speak to your key worker if you would like to attend.
For health and safety reasons we are unable to heat up any food brought in by patients or relatives.
Visiting information
We have set ward visiting times. This allows for doctors’ ward rounds, nurses to provide care and patients to rest.
Visiting hours: 2 - 4pm / 6 - 8pm
Please note that we request that there are only two visitors at a time.
Car parking
Parking is provided on site for patients and family. You can pay by card or cash at the pay and display machines. A weekly permit can be purchased at a discounted rate. Please speak to our ward receptionist who will provide you with a parking permit request form.
Infection control
In order to assist us in infection control, we ask visitors to:
- Use the alcohol gel at the entrance to the ward on entering and leaving.
- Do not visit the ward if you have had diarrhoea and vomiting within 48 hours.
Carers
If you are the main carer and wish to continue to be involved in the care of your relative, please contact the Ward Manager.
Support
Information and support for patients and relatives
o Provides information, support and advice to both individuals who have had a stroke and their families. They support people in rebuilding life after their stroke and help hundreds of thousands of patients and the people around them.
o Website: www.stroke.org.uk
Helpline: 0303 3033 100. Leaflets: available on the ward.
- My Stroke Guide – online community, information and support
- mystrokeguide.com
Spiritual & psychological support
o Our on-site chapel welcomes all faith communities and holds services every Sunday at 10am. We also have multi-faith chaplains who are happy to talk in confidence to patients.
o Our ward Clinical Psychologist provides psychological support to patients with stroke and their families.
o Please ask your key worker or nurse for further information.
Financial support
- Turn2Us
o A charity aiding people with financial difficulties gain access to support
o Benefits calculator
o UK charity providing advice on management of debts
o Free legal advice to people with disabilities and their carers
- South West London Law Centres
o Free legal advice on social welfare issues including housing, debt, immigration and employment.
Feedback
We want your visit to be as comfortable as possible.
- Please speak to the nurse in charge or your keyworker if you have any concerns.
- If there are further concerns, please contact Matron Sandra Mason on 020 8401 3000 or the Matron on call.
- Alternatively, you can contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) on 020 8401 3201.
Please be assured that raising a concern will not impact your care.