University of Strathclyde and CHSS “kickstarting a revolution in stroke care”

The University of Strathclyde has shared their pioneering new partnership with Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland (CHSS), which aims to “kickstart a revolution in stroke care”. Read the full original article on the University of Strathclyde website.

Academics in the Department of Biomedical Engineering are working with the CHSS to integrate cutting-edge research in areas like robotics and technology with the charity’s Hospital to Home services. They aim to ensure a smooth transition for stroke patients discharged from hospital.

We were proud to share last year that the University of Strathclyde was the first customer in the world to purchase the HERO Solution, the latest 5-system development from our partner Motek which delivers complete functional movement rehabilitation.

The HERO Solution is used among other technology as part of this partnership at the University’s Sir Jules Thorn Centre for Co-Creation of Rehabilitation Technology.

Supporting Scotland’s stroke survivors

The first cohort of stroke survivors are already going through the programme, and it’s hoped that through fundraising, the numbers will increase significantly over the next year.

This week I moved onto the next stage of my stroke rehab – now with @CoCreationRehab at my old stomping ground @UniStrathclyde 💪

This pioneering project is the first of it’s kind. I’m excited to hopefully see some much needed progress 🤞

I’m skiing in the last photo ⛷ pic.twitter.com/Ozy6QZoOcA

— Amy Callaghan MP (@AmyCallaghanSNP) January 25, 2022

Dr Andy Kerr, from Biomedical Engineering at University of Strathclyde said: “We are delighted to have Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland as a partner in our bid to revolutionise rehabilitation.

“Our pilot has gone very well at the Sir Jules Thorn Centre for Co-Creation of Rehabilitation Technology, and we are well placed, with the support of CHSS, to scale up our efforts in the new year.”

Stroke affects more than 9,000 people a year in Scotland and is the most common cause of severe physical disability among adults. Hospital care for these patients accounts for seven percent of all NHS beds and five per cent of the entire Scottish NHS budget. The work from the partnership aims to improve rehabilitation which has been proven to aid recovery, improve people’s lives and reduce pressures on the NHS.

 Jane-Claire Judson, Chief Executive of Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland said: “Every day in Scotland 25 people’s lives are changed forever by stroke. In an instant, the things we all take for granted can be taken away like the ability to walk or talk.

“Rehabilitation is a lifeline that helps stroke survivors get their lives back. But cutting-edge rehabilitation technology and support is out of reach of most people in Scotland. This partnership will change that. It will kick start a revolution in stroke care in Scotland that will transform care for survivors and reduce pressures on our NHS.” 

Pioneering stroke rehabilitation

Linda Hanlin, is one of the first to use the pioneering stroke rehabilitation unit at the University. The 62-year-old suffered a stroke in January 2014 and has mobility issues on her left side.

The retired mum of two grown-up children, went through physiotherapy, but, almost eight years on, she still has trouble gripping with her left hand and has to walk with a stick.

Twice a week since the start of September, she has been going through her paces in a series of technological tests and exercises designed to retrain her limbs at the centre.

Linda said: “My balance isn’t great, and I walk with a stick. I’ve been using the treadmill with a harness that shows you how  you are working and encourages you to use your feet more evenly. My balance has definitely improved by using the treadmill.

“I love the sessions, even though they go so quickly.”