Paisley hospital workers praised by relatives of stroke patients

The Royal Alexandra Hospital (RAH) in Paisley has received high praise for the care shown to those who have suffered a stroke.

Feedback left on the independent Care Opinion platform includes stories from stroke patients who have been cared for at the RAH and their relatives.

The Paisley hospital has in the past 18 months become home to a specialist thrombolysis service, which offers a life-saving procedure to those who are suspected of having a stroke in the Renfrewshire, Vale of Leven and Inverclyde communities.

It dissolves stroke-causing blood clots – restoring blood flow to the brain and significantly reducing the long-term side effects of a stroke.

People who have used this service and the stroke rehabilitation services at the RAH over the past six months have been quick to praise the dedicated staff who have supported them.

One person described the care her grandfather received as “impeccable” and said: “In what was such a worrying time for us, being able to go home settled knowing that he was getting the best care from the most incredible people really made the world of difference.

“From celebrating what could be considered small achievements, the staff in this ward made him feel like he had just moved mountains.

“Your staff members are just indescribable and nothing that we can say would ever be enough thanks for just how positive you made such a rubbish time feel for him. Thank you for working tirelessly to get him home to us as close to his old self as he can possibly be.”

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has reminded Renfrewshire residents of the main signs of stroke, and urged people to act FAST if they believe they or someone else is having one.

It is urging people to remember the ‘FAST’ test: Facial weakness, Arm weakness, Speech problems, Time to call 999.

Dr Julie McManus, a consultant physician who is based at the RAH, said: “It is vital that you act as quickly as possible if you believe you or someone else is having a stroke.

“At the RAH, our thrombolysis treatment can help to dramatically improve patients’ outcomes and recovery, including saving their life and reducing the chance of disability or other lasting effects.

“But in order for this to be administered, we need people to dial 999 as soon as they recognise symptoms of a stroke. These symptoms can be easily remembered as the ‘FAST’ test – Face, Arms, Speech and Time.”

The therapeutic window for thrombolysis is usually up to four-and-a-half hours after symptoms have started so it is crucial that people act urgently and call 999 as soon as they notice symptoms.

Studies have shown that for every 15-minute delay in administering thrombolysis, there is a corresponding loss of approximately one month of healthy life, primarily due to increased time for rehabilitation.

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