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Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Stroke Awareness, Prevention, and Care Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to establish a structured and effective approach to stroke awareness, prevention, and care management within {{org_field_name}}. As strokes are a leading cause of disability and mortality, it is essential that our care teams are well-equipped with the knowledge, skills, and resources to prevent strokes, identify early warning signs, and deliver high-quality post-stroke care.

This policy ensures compliance with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) Fundamental Standards, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines, and Stroke Association best practices to deliver safe, person-centred care to individuals at risk of or recovering from a stroke.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All employees, including care workers, management, and administrative staff.
• Service users and their families, ensuring awareness and prevention.
• Multi-disciplinary teams (MDTs), including GPs, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and stroke specialists.
• Regulatory bodies, ensuring compliance with statutory care standards.

It covers:

• Understanding stroke and its risk factors.
• Preventative measures and risk reduction strategies.
• Recognising and responding to stroke symptoms.
• Post-stroke care planning and rehabilitation.
• Emotional, cognitive, and physical support.
• Communication with families and healthcare professionals.
• Training and staff responsibilities.
• Continuous monitoring and quality improvement.

3. Legal and Regulatory Framework

This policy aligns with the following legal and regulatory requirements:

• Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014 – Ensuring high-quality care and safety.
• Care Act 2014 – Promoting preventative care and service user well-being.
• National Stroke Strategy (Department of Health, UK) – Providing guidance on stroke prevention and recovery.
• Equality Act 2010 – Ensuring inclusive and equitable stroke care.
• General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) 2018 – Protecting service user information and data confidentiality.

4. Understanding Stroke and Its Risk Factors

A stroke occurs when blood supply to the brain is disrupted due to a blockage (ischaemic stroke) or bleeding (haemorrhagic stroke). Key risk factors include:

• Uncontrolled hypertension (high blood pressure).
• Diabetes and high cholesterol.
• Smoking, excessive alcohol intake, and poor diet.
• Lack of physical activity and obesity.
• Atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat).
• Family history of stroke and ageing.

{{org_field_name}} implements proactive risk assessments to identify and address these factors through lifestyle interventions and medical coordination.

5. Preventative Measures and Risk Reduction Strategies

To reduce stroke risks, we:

• Monitor and manage blood pressure for service users at risk.
• Support healthy eating plans with a focus on low-fat, high-fibre diets.
• Encourage physical activity suited to each service user’s capability.
• Provide smoking cessation and alcohol reduction guidance.
• Facilitate medication management, ensuring adherence to prescribed stroke-prevention treatments.
• Offer educational sessions for service users and families on stroke awareness.

6. Recognising and Responding to Stroke Symptoms

All staff are trained to identify and act swiftly when stroke symptoms occur using the FAST acronym:

• F – Face: Sudden drooping or numbness on one side.
• A – Arms: Weakness or inability to lift one arm.
• S – Speech: Slurred or confused speech.
• T – Time: Immediate emergency response is crucial.

In case of a suspected stroke:

1. Call emergency services (999 or 112) immediately.
2. Monitor and reassure the service user while awaiting medical help.
3. Record the exact time symptoms started to assist emergency responders.
4. Inform next of kin and relevant healthcare professionals.

7. Post-Stroke Care Planning and Rehabilitation

Effective post-stroke care involves:

• Individualised care plans developed with input from the service user, family, and MDT.
• Physical rehabilitation, including physiotherapy, mobility aids, and exercises.
• Occupational therapy to improve daily living skills.
• Speech and language therapy for communication and swallowing difficulties.
• Nutritional support tailored to swallowing and dietary restrictions.
• Medication adherence monitoring to prevent secondary strokes.

8. Emotional, Cognitive, and Physical Support

Stroke recovery can be emotionally challenging. Our support includes:

• Counselling and mental health support to address depression and anxiety.
• Cognitive therapy for memory, problem-solving, and concentration issues.
• Social engagement activities to prevent isolation and promote well-being.
• Carer support services to assist family members coping with the impact of stroke.

9. Communication with Families and Healthcare Professionals

Clear and compassionate communication is vital in stroke care. {{org_field_name}} ensures:

• Regular updates to families regarding progress and changes in care plans.
• Collaboration with GPs, stroke specialists, and community health teams.
• Education for family members on supporting stroke recovery at home.

10. Training and Staff Responsibilities

All employees involved in stroke care receive:

• Mandatory stroke awareness and response training.
• Advanced courses on post-stroke rehabilitation techniques.
• Ongoing professional development to align with evolving best practices.
• Support in handling stroke-related challenges, including emotional resilience training.

11. Continuous Monitoring and Quality Improvement

To ensure high standards of stroke care, {{org_field_name}}:

• Conducts quarterly reviews of stroke care plans and user feedback.
• Implements audits to monitor adherence to best practices.
• Engages in staff evaluations and refresher training.
• Seeks input from stroke survivors and families to improve services.

12. Policy Review and Updates

This policy is reviewed annually or sooner if:

• New medical guidelines require updates.
• Regulatory changes necessitate revisions.
• Service user feedback suggests improvements.

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Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
Copyright © {{current_year}} – {{org_field_name}}. All rights reserved.