Stroke HIT and partners' event explores ways to support stroke patients returning to work

Sixty people joined a free event at the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) on 15 November to find out more about supporting patients to return to work following a stroke.

The event was organised by our Stroke Health Integration Team (HIT)’s Education and Training Workstream, and funded by Sirona, UWE Bristol and Bristol Health Partners.

It brought together health care professionals to learn from and discuss with others how best they can support individuals returning to work after they have had a stroke. Topics covered included benefits for working aged people and the role of employers, and stroke survivors shared their lived experiences with delegates.

Between sessions, delegates could network and find out more at stalls run by the Department for Work and Pensions, North Bristol Advice Centre, Bristol After Stroke and The Stroke Association.

The day served as a powerful reminder of the importance of work to our lives and wellbeing. Plenty of connections were made across the stroke treatment and care pathway, and delegates left with more confidence and knowledge to help patients and colleagues, and ways to reach out for support.

Thank you to our speakers:

• Claire Fullbrook Scanlon, Senior Lecturer, UWE Bristol, Senior Clinical Academic Nurse, RUH and Stroke HIT Education and Training Workstream Lead
• Helen Ellis – Occupational Therapist / Integrated Community Stroke Service Team Lead
• Emma Taylor, Independent Occupational Therapist and Vocational Specialist
• Luke Albarran, North Bristol Advice Centre
• Sarah Barnett, Disability Employment Adviser Lead, Department for Work and Pensions
• Gemma Holden, Bristol After Stroke
• Verity Aldous, The Stroke Association
• Aneta and Rob, stroke survivors

Occupational Therapist Helen Ellis, who initiated the event, said:

“By the end of the day we wanted people to feel they had some knowledge base, made connections and have the tools to be more confident in addressing return to work needs”

“This wouldn’t have happened without the backing from Bristol Health Partners and the support from the other agencies who were all so enthusiastic to deliver a study day that would improve practice for those people who have had a stroke.  Bristol Health Partners enabled partnership working which truly strived to deliver a shared vision. I have really enjoyed working with all the organisers and speakers and am looking forward to building on these connections to further develop the pathway for return to work.”