29th October 2024
The Southern Trust in partnership with the Stroke Association has introduced a new Stroke Buddy initiative at Lurgan Hospital.
The new pilot initiative will see stroke survivors introduced to the Lurgan Stroke Unit to share their story and lived experience to support patients and their families through a life changing time.
Stroke is a serious life-threatening medical emergency caused when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off. Stroke is the third leading cause of death in adults in Northern Ireland after heart disease and cancer. Around 1,200 people are admitted to hospital each year for stroke with nearly 40,000 stroke survivors in our communities.
The initiative was born out of an idea by the unit staff and the Stroke Association to recruit a local stroke survivor group, The Orchard Women’s Group, who were keen to help other stroke survivors by sharing their stories.
The five ladies, from various walks of life, have all suffered a stroke during their lives and know the impact it’s had on them individually and their own families and hope by sharing their lived experience they can give patients some hope and encouragement as they begin their road to recovery.
Isabell Morrison suffered a stroke in 2015 that brought to an end a nursing career after 32 years of service. Isabell, Chair of the Orchard Women’s Group, explained the group is keen to help patients on their recovery. She said: “We the ladies of the Orchard women after Stroke group feel it’s an absolute privilege to be asked to get involved with the Buddy scheme in Lurgan hospital giving positive reassurance to Stroke survivors and their relatives.
“We found the first day a little daunting but when we found our way we found the morning to be a great experience. On talking with patients and a relative we could discuss our journeys post Stroke and answer questions that only Stroke survivors could answer. We got a great response from those we spoke with as we fully understand what they are going through. The staff are also very welcoming to us. We really hope this is a positive experience for us all and gives hope for the future to Stroke survivors”.
Ward Manager, Julie Walker worked alongside the Stroke Association to introduce the pilot as she felt patients would benefit from hearing first hand lived experience of other stroke survivors. She said: “We are delighted to welcome our new Stroke Buddies into the unit. Today with their first visit we’re already seeing the impact on patients with moods lifting and positive outlooks on stroke rehabilitation journeys. We’re looking forward now to the next visit.”
The Stroke Association is the only stroke specific charity in NI providing lifelong support for all stroke survivors and their families.
Its Northern Ireland Engagement Officer Ciara McConnell said, “We are thrilled to be part of the Buddy Scheme in Lurgan hospital. We hope to raise awareness of the charity and services in Northern Ireland, while also providing peer support to stroke survivors and their families.
“People can find out about such things as benefits and financial assistance, returning to work, driving after a stroke, and mobility. There’s also information for families as they adapt to their new role caring for a stroke survivor. We believe everyone deserves to live the best life they can after a stroke and we’re there to help with this.”
Anyone affected by stroke can visit stroke.org.uk or call our dedicated Stroke Support Helpline on 0303 3033 100 for information and guidance on a wide range of stroke related issues.