Stroke Health Integration Team gets go-ahead

A new Health Integration Team (HIT) focused on stroke has been given the go-ahead by the Bristol Health Partners executive group. Stroke HIT aims to advance and improve the prevention of strokes and care for stroke patients.

The team is led by Dr Phil Clatworthy, Consultant Stroke Neurologist, North Bristol NHS Trust, Dr Ann Sephton, Deputy Clinical Chair, South Gloucestershire CCG and Professor Mark Pietroni, Director for Public Health, South Gloucestershire Council.

It brings together all nine Bristol Health Partners organisations, as well as people who have experienced a stroke, their families and carers. It also includes the Stroke Association, Bristol Area Stroke Foundation and other partners. The team works across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire, and will be hosted by North Bristol Trust.

The Stroke HIT will initially focus on supporting the local Sustainability and Transformation Partnership (STP) stroke pathway review.

Bristol Health Partners Director David Relph said:

“Stroke prevention and care is a local and national priority. The panel was very impressed with the strength of the Stroke HIT proposal and we unanimously agreed to endorse the group as a Bristol Health Partners HIT. This new team will be a vital support for our local Sustainability and Transformation Partnership, as well as improving the lives of those affected by stroke.”

Dr Phil Clatworthy said:

“We are delighted to be approved as a new Health Integration Team. Stroke can have devastating consequences for survivors and carers. We will bring together stroke patients and their families, clinicians, commissioners and charities to improve stroke care and prevention across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.”