HDD-OJEULT-52753 Provision of Stroke Support Services

HDUHB is looking to commission a third sector provider(s) to deliver a range of activities/services which support adults diagnosed with a stroke, their family and carers with high quality information, advice, and emotional support. This service will be required post a patients discharge from hospital. The purpose of these activities is to facilitate a smooth transition from hospital to home and ensure stroke survivors and carers feel supported on returning home. People who have had a stroke may need to receive support in a timely way to help them with their psychological and emotional wellbeing. Once people have returned home their needs and circumstances continue to change. People may need support to adjust their lifestyles to reduce the chance of another stroke, to return to work or to cope with altered roles and relationships and the emotional and psychological impact of stroke. Other needs, including those of carers and family members, are also likely to change as people learn to deal with stroke related disabilities. The service aims and objectives will be as follows. To support all adults diagnosed with a stroke, their family and carers with high quality information, advice, and emotional support To provide flexible, support to adults and their families and carers whose communication is affected by stroke, following their discharge from the acute health setting. To establish and facilitate social opportunities, befriending, awareness events, and provide peer support opportunities for carers and stroke survivors. To provide important stroke prevention and education information to people affected by stroke / TIA, their families, and the general public. For example, patient information leaflets and relevant signposting to publicised material. Discuss the risk factors for stroke with the client and family, encouraging them to make appropriate lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of further stroke. To liaise with stroke multi-disciplinary teams (including attending MDT meetings) and act as an advocate to influence the care plans for the stroke survivor and their family. Liaise with GP surgeries/clusters regarding Stroke Association campaigns e.g., Act First (Atrial Fibrillation awareness), FAST.