Pedal power for new charity campaign
Date of release: 16 May 2024
A team of dedicated staff has embarked on a cycling challenge spanning 1,170 miles to raise money for specialist equipment to be used in New Cross Hospital’s Stroke Department.
Staff from C21 (Stroke Ward) are planning to clock up 1,170 miles in May to mark one mile for every inpatient they treated last year.
The money raised for The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust Charity will fund a piece of advanced heart monitoring software. And supporters jumped in the saddle earlier this week to get the cycle into first gear.
Rachael Jones, Senior Advanced Nurse Practitioner (Stroke), said: “We have done so well so far and got off to a great start by raising £800.
“Staff from different specialities got involved which was great. We covered a total of 378 miles which is fantastic. Such a team effort.
“The money will go towards a piece of equipment the team will use to monitor stroke patients with more intensity and precision, reducing life threatening complications as well as increasing the opportunity to identify AF (Atrial Fibrillation) the biggest cause of ischeamic stroke leading to better interventions and treatments for patients.”
The team is also holding an information stand at New Cross Hospital today (16 May) from 9am until 5pm to raise awareness of the signs of stroke.
A Carers Café will be held on 21 May in the day room on the unit from 2pm until 4pm and is open to families of patients who have had a stroke and want to meet the team, learn more and find out risk factors.
The inpatient ward area (C21) currently treats about 1,200 patients per year and the clinicians see around 1,000 more in the Emergency Department that prove to be non-strokes.
They provide a 24/7 thrombolysis service and have direct access to the thrombectomy service at University Hospitals of North Midlands. All stroke patients are seen in ED by a specialist stroke team which provides 24/7 cover.
Rachel added: “The service has seen a steady increase in the number of stroke patients over the last five years, and we are keen to not only raise awareness and reduce the risk of future stroke but strive towards being recognised as one the best performing stroke centres in the UK.”
Amie Rogers, Fundraising and Lead Digital Engagement Officer, said: “We are so proud of the Stroke Team and colleagues’ commitment to making a difference for our patients. They are determined to make a positive change and improve patient care. Keep going Stroke Team, we’re all behind you.”
ENDS
- For further information, please email amy.downward@nhs.net
