A new clinic offering support aimed specifically at the needs of younger stroke patients has been established in an innovative collaboration between Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (STH) and the University of Sheffield.
The clinic, which is run at a university facility and staffed by specialist STH clinicians, is the first of its kind and focuses on the needs of stroke patients under the age of 65 who have suffered mild strokes. Often, these patients may be returning to work or have family and caring responsibilities that they need to fulfil.
Because this cohort of patients typically have higher function than patients who are older or have suffered a more severe stroke, they are usually discharged home from hospital quickly following their diagnosis and hospital treatment. This can lead to feelings of anxiety and isolation, as they are not sure what they can and cannot do and worry about the effects on their work, family and social life.
The clinic enables them to be reviewed and receive advice from specialist clinicians in a more relaxed, non-hospital setting where they can discuss their individual needs. It also provides access to holistic support around preventing further strokes, for example on healthy diet, exercise and psychological impacts, with onwards referrals to specialist support if required. Patients’ families are also encouraged to attend and ask questions, as stroke can impact not only the stroke survivor but also their family members.
Patients have valued the ‘one-stop shop’ nature of the clinics, where they can access advice from multiple professionals such as stroke nurses, dieticians, exercise specialists and the Stroke Association without the need for separate appointments.
One 55 year-old male patient who used the service said: “The nurse consultant was asking about return to work, and I was anxious to get back to work, because I like what I do, but I realised things would have to change. Within a week I went to see my employer.”
A 32 year-old male patient said: “I’m running again and back to racket ball. The advice from the clinic helped me lower my cholesterol and blood pressure - it’s what caused my stroke, so I know keeping this up is the best thing I can do.”
A 44 year-old female patient said: “It wasn’t just medical. It helped me make sense of what had happened.”
Dr Amanda Jones, Clinical Lead for the Stroke Pathway at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, said: “This is a true collaboration and the first NHS clinic to run at the university. The more relaxed environment is more conducive to discussion than a traditional medical clinic delivered in a busy outpatient department.
“It enables this cohort of patients to take in their stroke diagnosis, discuss any investigations and medications and talk about their personal anxieties or goals, all tailored to the needs of younger patients.”
The partnership with the university also provides the opportunity for research and for student nurses and other student clinicians to shadow clinics and gain experience.
Professor Judy Clegg, Interim Dean of the School of Allied Health Professions, Pharmacy, Nursing and Midwifery at the University of Sheffield, said: "For younger stroke survivors in our region, the challenges are unique—from returning to work to managing family life. This service is a game-changer because it addresses their holistic needs in a relaxed, non-hospital setting, preventing the anxiety and isolation that can follow a mild stroke.
"Crucially, this collaboration with Sheffield Teaching Hospitals also creates an exceptional environment for cutting-edge research and for training the next generation of stroke clinicians, ensuring the positive impact on people's lives continues for years to come. This is a brilliant example of how our local institutions can work together to significantly improve the health and well-being of people right here in South Yorkshire.”