News

Local NHS seeks views on stroke and vascular disease services

The NHS is looking for local people to share their experiences of and views on how to improve local stroke care and inpatient vascular services, at a series of events across Kent from 1 to 30 July.

This includes the care provided in the first 72 hours following a stroke, as well as how problems such as aneurysms, blocked arteries or circulation-related amputations are managed.

NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) across Kent and Medway, who plan and buy local health services, are reviewing how stroke patients are managed within the vital first 72 hours. They would like to hear from people who have had a stroke, or have experience of a stroke through a loved one, family member or as a carer.

Stroke is the third biggest killer in the UK and a major cause of long-term disability. People who have had a stroke need rapid access to a specialist medical team 24/7 – doctors, nurses and therapists – to maximise their chances of survival and enable their recovery.

NHS England, which commissions specialist services, is reviewing how inpatient vascular procedures are delivered in Kent and Medway and would like to hear from patients and the public willing to share their thoughts and experiences.

Vascular disease can affect anyone. People who smoke, are overweight and have diabetes are more at risk. It is also more common in those in their 60 and 70s, especially men. It affects veins and arteries and the lymphatic system, which carries white blood cells around the body.

There is a series of 10 events being held across Kent and Medway to hear people’s views on both stroke and vascular services. There may be an opportunity to be part of focus groups later.

Have your say

East Kent

To book a place at an east Kent event please contact Lisa Blumson on 03000 424061.

  • Tuesday 7 July: Spitfire Kent Cricket Ground, St Lawrence, Old Dover Road, Canterbury, CT1 3NZ. Stroke 9.30-11.30am; vascular noon – 1.30pm.
  • Wednesday 15 July: Turner Contemporary Centre, Rendezvous cafe, Margate, CT9 1HG. Stroke 4-6pm; vascular 6.45 – 7.15pm.
  • Tuesday 21 July: Best Western Plus Dover Marina Hotel and Spa, Waterloo Crescent, Dover, CT17 9BP. Stroke 1.30-3.30pm; vascular 4-5.30pm.
  • Thursday 23 July: Holiday Inn, Ashford Centre, Canterbury Road, Ashford, TN24 8QQ. Stroke 10am to noon; vascular 12.30-2pm.

North Kent

To book a place at a north Kent event please contact Sharon Knight at nkm.communications@nhs.net or call her on 07768 467705.

  • Wednesday 1 July: Phoenix House, Central Avenue, Sittingbourne, ME10 4BX. Stroke: 10am-noon; vascular 12.30-2pm.
  • Tuesday 7 July: Old Town Hall, High Street, Gravesend, DA11 0AZ. Stroke: 2.30-4.30pm; vascular 4.45-6.15pm.
  • Wednesday 8 July: Sunlight Centre, 105 Richmond Road, Gillingham, ME7 1LX. Stroke: 10am-noon; vascular 12.30-2pm.
  • Thursday 30 July:  The Church, Hope Street Centre, Rose Street Car Park, Sheerness, ME12 1AJ. Stroke: 10am-noon; Vascular 12.30-2pm.

West Kent

To book a place at a west Kent event please contact Lisa Blumson on 03000 424061.

  • Thursday 9 July: Angel Centre, Angel Lane, Tonbridge, TN9 1SF. Stroke 1.30-3.30pm; vascular 4-5.30pm.
  • Thursday 16 July: Oakwood House, Oakwood Road, Maidstone, ME16 8AE. Stroke 10am-noon; Vascular 12.30-2pm.
    Ends.

For media enquiries, please contact: Abby King, North Kent NHS CCGs on 07917 847644 or Lisa Clinton on 07768 467340.