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Stroke coffee morning welcomes actor Rudolph Walker

27 May 2015

West Middlesex University Hospital held its annual stroke coffee morning on Friday 22 May in support of Action on Stroke Month, and this year patients and staff were joined by a very special guest, actor and Stroke Association supporter Rudolph Walker.

West Middlesex University Hospital held its annual stroke coffee morning on Friday 22 May in support of Action on Stroke Month, and this year patients and staff were joined by a very special guest, actor and Stroke Association supporter Rudolph Walker.

Mr Walker joined patients, relatives, staff, and community groups at West Middlesex to share his experiences of stroke, including how he was affected when his father and former co-star John Badon both suffered a stroke.

The event was hosted by stroke specialist nurse Ahlam Wynne to raise awareness of the stroke services available both at West Middlesex and in the local community. As well as sharing their experiences, the group were also able to discuss further developments which could be made to these services to help improve the patient experience.

The group were also joined by Emma from InterAct Stroke Support, a charity who works with professional actors who visit hospitals and stroke clubs to read on a one-to-one basis at a patient’s bedside. This helps to stimulate patients and lift their mood during what can often be a long and exhausting rehabilitation process. West Middlesex Hospital was one of the first hospitals to pilot the scheme when it was launched in 2000.

Mr Walker said: “It was so inspiring to meet the incredible staff and stroke survivors at West Middlesex Hospital and it was wonderful to be invited to attend the hospital’s Stroke Month coffee morning. Stroke affects so many people’s lives and that’s why the work of the Stroke Association is so important. Action on Stroke Month is a great opportunity to raise awareness of the impact of stroke, and for people to learn more about stroke prevention. I believe that together we can conquer stroke.”

The Stroke Unit at West Middlesex University Hospital provides acute care for patients until they are suitable for discharge home or further rehabilitation care in an alternative setting, including specialist rehabilitation services in the community.

A multidisciplinary team works together to care for stroke patients at the hospital and with the local Hyper Acute Stroke Unit (HASU) atCharing CrossHospital.

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