Press release -
Plymouth mum who had stroke aged 30 says vital stroke recovery service must be saved
A Plymouth mum of two who had a stroke aged just 30 has hit out at NHS and council chiefs who have axed funding for a vital support service.
Dannii Arksey-Venning said the support she received from the Stroke Association’s Stroke Recovery Service was irreplaceable in helping her cope with the life-changing effects of her stroke last year.
She is devastated that NHS Devon and Plymouth City Council have told the charity that funding for their service will end in December.
Dannii said: “Me and my partner broke up. I had to leave my health and social care job. I have suffered with headaches, mood swings and fatigue. People need to understand the difficulties that can be caused by a stroke and how much we suffer socially and emotionally afterwards.
“I am slower at doing thing that I was before. I don’t have as much energy as I did before. I think I am more closed off on my emotions than I was before.”
Dannii said the Stroke Association’s support coordinator John was a lifeline as she worked hard to be the mum her children Yazmyn is 14 and was 13 at the time. Arya was 5 now 6, needed.
“The Stroke Association are there on hand when needed,” said Dannii. “I wouldn’t have understood all the side effects I get or been given the help to know what had happened to me.
“They helped me with my job, as I was given over 35 hours a week and was told by my stroke coordinator that was too much for me to cope with this early on after my stroke.
“It is upsetting knowing that people won’t have anyone at the end of the phone to talk to about their worries and concerns. I feel that with the amount of people that seem to be having strokes this service is irreplaceable. It is a shame that people in the future won’t get the help and support they need.”
Dannii is urging people to sign a petition launched by follow stroke survivor Graham Devaney calling for the service to be saved.
www.change.org/SaveDevonStrokeRecoveryService
“This news is devastating to us. I have no doubt to lots of other people who have had a stroke tear their lives apart too.
“I understand times are difficult and budgets are tight but this service is far too important to let go. I would ask NHS Devon to please reconsider this decision as it will have a major negative impact on the lives of so many people who struggle daily with the devastating and far-reaching effects of a stroke.”
Intense 1-1 support
The Devon stroke recovery service has been running for approaching 20 years and each year around 1,470 stroke survivors are referred to it. Of these, more than 875 a year receive the more intensive 1-1 support they and their families need.
There are more than 32,000 stroke survivors in Devon, making the county one of the top three highest areas in the UK for stroke prevalence - the proportion of the population living with the condition.
Jacqui Cuthbert, the Stroke Association’s associate director for the South West and Channel Islands, said:
“We have had to inform the 500 stroke survivors we’re currently working with that their support will end. It’s devastating for them and unthinkable for the 2,500 people every year who will be hit by stroke in the county.
“Because a stroke happens so quickly, people often leave hospital without being completely sure what's happened or why and totally unprepared for the many challenges that lie ahead.
“NHS Devon says other services in the county will continue to support stroke survivors but these organisations are not stroke specific and do not understand the complex and interrelated needs of stroke survivors and their families.
“Our Devon Stroke Recovery Service provides tailored support from hospital to home via a designated coordinator, who will address the long-term practical, emotional and communication needs of stroke survivors, their families and carers.
“The Stroke Recovery Service is a vital part of the clinical pathway for stroke survivors, easing pressures on clinical teams and delivering better patient outcomes.
“The cost per stroke survivor is relatively small, compared to the far greater cost to the system where people need NHS treatment for poor mental and physical health which may even lead to a second stroke, something that survivors fear the most.”
As well as signing the petition, people are being urged to contact NHS Devon and Plymouth City Council.
NHS Devon ICB
- Telephone: 0300 123 1672 between 10am – 4pm, Monday to Friday
- Post: Patient Advice and Complaints team, NHS Devon, Aperture House, Pynes Hill, Rydon Lane, Exeter, Devon, EX2 5AZ
Plymouth City Council
- Plymouth local councillors: www.plymouth.gov.uk/find-your-councillor
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Over 88,000 people survive a stroke every year in the UK, but surviving a stroke is just the start of a long and traumatic battle to finding their way back to life.
The Stroke Association is the only charity in the UK providing life-long support for all stroke survivors and their families. We provide tailored support to tens of thousands of stroke survivors each year, fund vital scientific research, and campaign to bring the best care and support for everyone affected by stroke.
Anyone affected by stroke can visit stroke.org.uk or call our dedicated Stroke Support Helpline on 0303 3033 100 for information, guidance or a chat when times are tough.
