Hospital launches appeal to refurbish stroke rehab unit

An appeal has been launched to raise £300,000 towards desperately-needed refurbishments at York Hospital’s Stroke Rehabilitation Unit.

The STAR (Stroke Treatment and Rehabilitation) Appeal, set up by the York Teaching Hospital Charity, aims to raise enough money to make vital changes to ward 39 in order to continue to meet the specific needs of patients recovering from a stroke.

About 600 patients are treated at the unit every year.

Stroke is the third largest cause of death and the single largest cause of adult disability in the United Kingdom but quick access to skilled, specialist staff and equipment like that at York Hospital can save lives.

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The Appeal hopes to modernise the entire stroke rehabilitation area, including a flat where patients can live independently whilst receiving support from expert staff.

This care helps prepare them for returning home, ensuring that they feel confident and ready to overcome any challenges when they return to the routine of home and work.

A new kitchen will be installed and ceiling track hoists are to be fitted to transfer patients into and out of bed.

Sue Beckett, Deputy Directorate Manager for Elderly Medicine, said: “Stroke is the biggest cause of disability and affects people of all ages. The STAR Appeal will greatly improve the environment for stroke patients during their inpatient stay. Many thanks to everybody who chooses to support this vital appeal.”

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Michael, 65, who suffered a stroke in March this year, said: “I was very lucky to be taken to hospital so quickly after it happened.

“I worked with staff on the Stroke Rehabilitation unit for six weeks to regain my strength and independence.

“The staff were fantastic and they generate great enthusiasm and positivity which really inspires the patients.

The STAR Appeal is a very important initiative which I hope many organisations and people will support.”

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The charity is hoping local schools, colleges, businesses and individuals will hold fund-raising events to help raise the money.

Visit http://www.justgiving.com/TheStarAppeal or www.yorkhospitals.nhs.uk/fundraising to make a donation.

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