NHS SWINDON has come out top for providing the highest level of care to stroke patients in the Avon, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire network.

The review was carried out by the Care Quality Commission and recognises the progress that has been made in local stroke care in the town after the patient leaves hospital.

It also reflects a significant investment in local health and social care services provided by NHS Swindon and Swindon Council.

The CQC review rates Swindon among the top 20 in the country for the long-term care and support that people may need to cope with stroke-related disabilities.

NHS Swindon lead for stroke, Carolyn Bell, said: “We are thrilled with the results from the CQC report and pleased that our progress has been recognised. In Swindon, we always aim to put the patient at the centre of what we do, making sure services are tailored to individual need.

“We have therefore invested a lot of time and resources in making improvements to the care provided to people who have had a stroke.

“The hard work of community based staff has helped ensure that people receive rehabilitation and support when they leave hospital.

“Stroke is the single largest cause of disability in adults and evidence shows that this type of support to stroke patients helps them recover well in the long term.”

NHS Swindon scored top marks for the support for participation in community life, the range of information about stroke and signposting co-ordination and personalisation.

The CQC report reflects the work of the Community Stroke Team and the Community Stroke Co-ordinator which work to provide specialist stroke skilled support for people and their families after a stroke. In addition to this, NHS Swindon has commissioned a dedicated project to support the carers of stroke survivors which is reflected in the results of the report.