Life After Stroke Services

The Cardiff and Vale University Local Health Board (UHB) provides stroke care for residents of all Cardiff and Vale population. The stroke pathway incorporates all elements of stroke care including stroke prevention, emergency stroke assessment and treatment, secondary inpatient care and rehabilitation, outpatients, and a community Early Supported Discharge team. Acute services are provided from the University Hospital of Wales and Rehabilitation services from University Hospital Llandough.

The UHB 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. 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.

The service requirements are:

• To support adults diagnosed with a stroke, their family and carers with high quality information, advice, and emotional support initially and for up to twelve months after stroke depending on individual need.
• This should include individualised information, practical help, and support (for example with returning to work) and emotional and psychological support
• It may also include stroke prevention and education information, discussing the risk factors for stroke with stroke survivors and their carers, encouraging them to make appropriate lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of further stroke.
• To provide flexible, long term support to adults and their families and carers whose communication is affected by stroke, initially following their discharge from the acute health setting and for up to twelve months after stroke.
• To link individuals into appropriate local social opportunities and provide peer support opportunities for carers and stroke survivors.
• To liaise with stroke multi-disciplinary teams (including attending MDT meetings) and act as an advisor and advocate to influence the care plans for the stroke survivor and their family.
• To liaise with external agencies in support of and as an advocate of stroke survivors in their care (e.g., employers, landlords, DWP, grant providers)