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Ben Ward, Innerva’s Strategic Sector Development Manager, reflects on the UK Stroke Forum: stroke services need innovative solutions to boost rehabilitation time without increasing staff pressure.

We had the most incredible few days at the UK Stroke Forum. Now in its 20th year, this is the largest multidisciplinary stroke conference in the country, bringing together stroke care experts and professionals as well as those with lived experience to shape the future of stroke prevention, treatment and rehabilitation.

It was inspiring to be surrounded by so many people committed to improving the lives of those affected by stroke. I was joined on the Innerva stand by Dr Rachel Young, Consultant Physiotherapist and Research Fellow at Sheffield Hallam University’s Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre. Together we spoke to doctors, surgeons, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists and specialist stroke teams, all dedicated to helping people rebuild independence and quality of life after stroke.

Hosted in Aberdeen, the event allowed us to catch up with the fantastic team at Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland. We were also delighted to host Dr Gillian Sweeney, one of the driving forces behind the pioneering Technology Enriched Rehabilitation Gym (TERG) at University Hospital Wishaw. Developed by our partners at the University of Strathclyde, the TERG model features three pieces of Innerva’s power-assisted exercise equipment and is pushing the boundaries of early stroke rehabilitation in an acute setting. Already,  Wishaw has seen a 159% increase in rehabilitation time, with the potential for greater gains as the model develops.

Not only has the TERG model increased access to early rehabilitation, it has given therapists the time to focus on more complex cases. With NICE guidelines recommending three hours of rehabilitation therapy a day, but the national average sitting at just 34 minutes, delegates were keen to discuss how they could create similar models in their own settings.

The UK Stroke Forum was a great opportunity to showcase our unique power-assisted exercise solution to delegates from across the UK and overseas. One of Innerva’s greatest strengths is that we design and manufacture all our equipment here in the UK. This gives us the ability to refine, adapt and innovate in direct response to what clinicians tell us they need. The feedback we received from delegates was invaluable with ideas for accessories and adaptations for stroke rehabilitation that could also benefit people living with other health conditions. We already work closely with complementary equipment providers and will continue to strengthen these partnerships.

I’ve never been to an event with such a strong focus on helping people; it was truly inspiring. It’s clear that delegates are committed to providing more rehabilitation time immediately after stroke, but they face significant challenges around staffing, space and budget. They are looking for safe, evidence-based solutions that can increase rehabilitation opportunities without adding pressure to staff. Our aim is to become a central point of consultation for stroke clinicians, helping them to get closer to achieving NICE guidelines and delivering better outcomes for their patients.

You can see the work taking place at University Hospital Wishaw here. 

For an informal chat about how Innerva could support stroke rehabilitation in your service, contact Ben.