YEOVIL NEWS: National acclaim for stroke research work at hospital

THE clinical team at Yeovil District Hospital has been publicly recognised as a ‘silver achiever’ for their work in a national stroke rehabilitation trial.

The recognition comes for the team’s work recruiting 61 patients onto A Very Early Rehabilitation Trial (AVERT) after stroke, as part of largest ever stroke rehabilitation trial.

The result demonstrates that Yeovil Hospital stroke team is able to deliver the most effective combination of rehab in the first crucial few days after stroke.

The hospital’s recruitment of 61 patients between November 2011 and October 2014 to the international study is testament to its professionalism and how it has been recognised as a Silver recruiter. The high numbers engaged in the trial at Yeovil shows the strength of the clinical trials team within the hospital active research ethos.

Consultant therapist in rehabilitation, Deborah Neal, said: “The Yeovil team chose to get involved in the trial to ensure that our patients are given the best possible chance after their stroke.

“It is important that research studies aren't just done in the big city hospitals, because as a hospital, we will be expected to deliver the study’s findings, so it should meet the needs of our local population.”

PHOTO – TOP: Standing, from left, are Cathy Fone, Staff Nurse; Dr Bhaumick, Locum Stroke Consultant; Debbie Hayward, Sister; Linda Balian, Clinical Trials Nurse; Clare Buckley, Clinical Trials Nurse; Jo Hill, Stroke Nurse Specialist; and sitting, from left, are Sarah Board, Clinical Trials Nurse; Debbie Neal, Consultant Therapist in rehabilitation, Di Wood – Clinical Trials Nurse.

To take part in this study, people had to be recruited within 24 hours of onset of symptoms. This was made possible thanks to the fact that Yeovil Hospital is equipped to deliver treatments for blood clots, or thrombolysis, and because the majority of people suffering stroke symptoms are brought in rapidly by ambulance.

Deborah added: “The trial was very positive, as, for the first time, we have clear information about the best process for rehabilitation early after a stroke, which helps us to provide the right sort of rehabilitation at the right time.

“Many of the sites in the study started much earlier than us and are much bigger hospitals with far more people having strokes going through. This result is therefore a real testament to the hard work and commitment of everyone involved here at Yeovil Hospital – it has been a full team effort.”

To find out what research studies are being run, please contact the clinical research department on extension 4559.

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