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Department of Health distributes Connect resources to all English stroke units

02 February 2007

Every stroke unit in England has been sent a free copy of Connect's Stroke and Aphasia Handbook and Stroke Talk, courtesy of the Department of Health.

Rosie Winterton, Health Minister, announces that Connect resources will be distributed by the Department of Health to all stroke units in England.

This was announced by Health Minister, Rosie Winterton at the National Audit Office conference “Joining Forces to Deliver Improved Stroke Care” on 19th October 2006. 'I am delighted to announce an important first step in improving the provision of information on stroke.' said Ms Winterton. 'We are working with Connect to ensure each stroke unit in England is provided with a copy of their Stroke and Aphasia Handbook and the new Stroke Talk manual. The handbook provides easy to understand information on all aspects of life following stroke, from the early days through to practical information to help navigate longer term choices. Stroke Talk is a new resource to improve communication and to help the stroke unit team provide accessible information and reassurance to patients during their hospital stay.

'Providing relevant, up-to-date information in a form that can be easily understood by all people affected by stroke is a primary objective for Connect' commented Sally Byng, Chief Executive of Connect who chaired the afternoon session of the NAO conference. 'This Department of Health initiative will be of huge benefit to everyone and we are pleased to be participating in such a valuable and worthwhile opportunity. As a national charity we value the support and encouragement of organisations such as the Department of Health and know how much it will be appreciated by patients, families and service providers.'

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