Stroke ward tailor-made to help patient recovery

The new unit has been opened on ward four at Noble's Hospital

A new stroke unit at the Isle of Man's main hospital achieves "a long dream" to help recovery times, the team responsible for patient care and rehabilitation said.

Situated on Ward 4 at Noble's Hospital, the unit includes therapeutic spaces, a kitchen and a gym, along with a redeveloped courtyard to "support rehabilitation and outdoor mobility".

Lead Stroke Nurse for Manx Care, Jill Horsey, said the expanded facilities were important because a stroke can "strike suddenly", leaving patients "no time to adapt".

"Accessible, specialised stroke unit care is proven to have the greatest impact on recovery," she said.

The changes at Noble's Hospital were part of a reconfiguration of ward space which has also seen major changes to gynaecological care.

A stroke is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when blood flow stops to part of the brain.

The condition can cause issues with speech and movement, which can take a long time to recover from.

Meets patient needs

Manx Care said the changes to the stroke ward will enable patients to "regain strength and independence through tailored rehabilitation activities".

The unit had been designed to deliver "high-quality stroke care, with a focus on both acute treatment and ongoing rehabilitation", the health care provider added.

Ms Horsey said the new "exciting" unit "offers spacious indoor and outdoor rehabilitation areas designed to meet the needs of those affected by stroke".

The creation of the new facilities was supported by the Manx Stroke Foundation, the Friends of Noble's Hospital, and the Noble's Hospital Charitable Trustees.