West Middlesex Hospital was designated as a Stroke Unit and TIA service provider in July 2009.
This designation forms part of the Healthcare for London changes to improve stroke services for patients in London.
West Middlesex Hospital works closely with the local Hyper Acute Stroke Unit (HASU) at Charing Cross Hospital to deliver care for acute stroke patients.
Approximately 300 patients are admitted to West Middlesex Hospital each year following a stroke, and three quarters of these patients are aged 65 and over.
Beds
Kew Ward (28 beds) is designated for acute stroke care and forms the Kew Stroke Unit. All stroke patients should be admitted directly to Kew Stroke Unit (either from A&E or on transfer from a HASU) according to internal and North West London network wide protocols.
The team
A multidisciplinary team dedicated to stroke care work together to care for stroke patients at West Middlesex Hospital, and meet on a weekly basis to discuss each patient’s care. This team is led by 2 consultants and a junior medical team, stroke specialist nurse and dedicated nursing team (led by a ward manager), dedicated therapy staff (including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and speech and language therapists), dieticians, social services and radiology team to carry out CT scans, MRI imaging, and Carotid Dopplers for appropriate TIA patients. All clinical staff are supported by administrative and management staff.
Assessments and rehabilitation
There are 5 consultant led ward rounds per week on Kew Stroke Unit, all patients receive a physiotherapy assessment within 72 hours of admission, and an occupational therapy assessment within 7 days of admission.
Rehabilitation facilities within the Marjory Warren block (on the basement and ground floor levels, accessible by lift) are available for all stroke patients.
Service aim
The aim of the stroke service at West Middlesex Hospital is to provide acute care for stroke patients until they are suitable for discharge home or further rehabilitation care in an alternative setting, including the rehab ward on site, or specialist rehabilitation services in the community. Electronic discharge summaries are provided to GPs when a stroke patient is discharged.
TIA clinic slots are available 5 days a week, with specialist TIA clinic on a Thursday afternoon. The Medical Day Unit nursing team works to support the stroke specialist team in implementing new outpatient pathways for high and low risk TIA patients (from December 2009), to ensure that all high risk patients receive a specialist assessment and commence treatment within 24 hours, and low risk patients within 7 days.
The stroke specialist team works closely with the Stroke Association and other local patient and carer support groups to ensure that care is patient centred and feedback is taken into consideration to further improve services. Information is provided to all patients and their carers (and is available in a variety of languages and formats).
Location
- Kew Stroke Unit is located on the basement level of the Marjory Warren block
- TIA Clinics take place in the Medical Day Unit, also located in the basement of Marjory Warren block
- Rehabilitation facilities for stroke patients are available on the basement and ground floor levels of the Marjory Warren block
Consultants (with a specialist interest in stroke care)
Dr John Platt (lead consultant) – Tel: 0208 321 6132
Dr Ravneeta Singh – Tel: 0208 321 6132
Secretary, Shirley Jackson – Tel: 0208 321 5449
Neurology input to our services is provided by Dr Alidz Pambakian, who also works at Charing Cross Hospital. Vascular surgery care is provided urgently by Mr Ian Franklin.
Contact
Kew Stroke Unit Tel: 0208 321 5265 / 5264
TIA Clinic Tel: 0208 321 5257
Fax: 0208 321 5270
Medical Day Unit Tel: 0208 321 5966
Ranjit Kooner, Assistant Director for Late in Life (including stroke & TIA services) – Tel: 07879808897
Ahlam Wynne, Stroke Specialist Nurse – Bleep: 413
Sandra Harvey, Administrator for Stroke & TIA Services – Tel: 0208 321 5919
Referrals
TIA referrals must be made using the North West London TIA referral form (GP or A&E version) and faxed to the TIA clinic on: 0208 321 5270
(Please note: All TIA referrals are urgent and must NOT be made via choose and book.)
Patient Information
Click here to access our Stroke patient information website.
Life after Stroke Support Group
We hold a monthly meeting for ex-patients and their carers. Click here for more information and 2012 dates.
May 2012 coffee mornings
Stroke service - Friday 11th May. Click here for invitation
TIA service - Wednesday 9th May. Click here for invitation
Useful links
Atrial Fibrillation Association Information and support for those affected by atrial fibrillation.
Connect Information and support for people living with aphasia, a communication disability which usually occurs after stroke or brain injury.
Crossroads Care Information for carers and stroke survivors about breaks and practical help at home.
Diabetes UK Leading UK charity that cares for, connects with and campaigns on behalf of all people affected by and at risk of diabetes.
Different Strokes Information and support for younger stroke survivors
Disabledgo Award wnning disability organisation producing online access guides. Free iPhone app 'My DisabledGo London' can be downloaded from the App store.
Drinkaware Guidance on alcohol consumption
NHS Choices NHS information resource on stroke and TIA
Speakability National charity dedicated to supporting and empowering people with Aphasia and their carers
Smokefree Information and support to quit smoking
Stroke information and video for South Asian minority groups
The Stroke Association Information, support and news from a UK wide charity solely concerned with combating stroke in people of all ages
