Relative in hospital with stroke

rose47

hi I’m Rose47,
My relative was admitted to a mental health hospital in Scotland recently. After a brain scan it was found that our relative has had a stroke. They are not getting any better in the current hospital and there is a specialist stroke unit in a nearby hospital. We can’t understand why they are not being transferred there for assessment and support.

luvpink

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/123888/relative-in-hospital-with-stroke

Hi

It is probably because your relative is currently being assessed and treated for their mental health and if they need to be transfered to a stroke unit then they would need to be assessed for that eventually.

rose47

hi Luvpink thanks for your reply. My relatives brother had a few TIA’s then a major stroke which is worrying us greatly. Our relative has been in the mental health hospital for nearly two weeks but not been assessed for stroke symptoms. They are having problems walking, communicating, swallowing and struggling emotionally. We would like to talk to an expert on strokes and find out what support they should be receiving for stroke. Thanks again.

Rachel_Scope

Hi @rose47 and welcome to the community. I'm sorry to hear about your relative. In my experience, hospitals aren't very quick at moving patients to more appropriate wards as there's so much admin involved and the whole team involved in their care needs to meet to discuss the plan. Have you spoken to the hospital about your concerns? Maybe they can give you some answers.

luvpink

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/921826#Comment_921826

@rose47

The best thing you can do is speak to the nurse in charge or the ward manager and express your concerns.

Wishing your relative well. X

rose47

Hi Rachel thanks for your reply.

we’ve tried to speak to doctors nurses etc but they don’t seem too concerned. They are treating depression and don’t seem interested in the stroke. Our relative is no better than the day they went into mental health hospital. Our relative has had depression before but has never been the way they are now. It would reassure us if the stroke was being taken more seriously.

WhatThe

Hi rose, may I recommend HEADWAY, the national charity for brain injuries.

Headway was our greatest source of support and advice when my dad suffered a stroke during heart surgery. Nobody knew he'd had a stroke until we saw him in the ward.

Speech therapy and physiotherapy should be provided asap for the best recovery.

luvpink

@rose47

If your relative is in an nhs unit you could raise your concerns with PALS (patient advice liason service)

If a person has suffered a stroke early intervention is paramount to the best recovery outcome.

rose47

thank you luvpink and thank you for your well wishes to my relative😊

I will try PALS as I was looking at their info this morning. Early intervention is so important for recovery. thank you for your advice.

rose47

Thank you WhatThe for your advice. I’ve contacted my local branch of the charity headway and hope to get support from them. Thank you again. Rose

Rachel_Scope

It's a bit worrying for you when they're not 'bothered' about the stroke. You will obviously want the best care for them and make sure they focus on all of their needs, not just one. I'm so glad other members were able to help and point you in the right direction 😊 Hopefully things will be put in place for your relative. Let us know how you get on. Thinking of you both.

rose47

thank you Rachel, everyone here has helped me so kindly. It’s much appreciated and made me feel a bit more hopeful. I will keep you updated. x

rose47

hi all, I spoke to the neurologist from the nearby stroke unit. He contacted the ward my relative is on and asked them to put them on meds to prevent further strokes. They have moved to a a ward more suitable for their needs and is improving. Thank you once again for your advice. x

Sandy_123

@rose47 that is good news

Bluebell21

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/924615#Comment_924615

I am really pleased for you @rose47 I hope that has put your mind at rest. Take care.

Jimm_Alumni

That's great to hear @rose47, hopefully things keep improving for you and your relative