New therapy equipment brings treatment to home for stroke patients in Wakefield

Pictured above (left to right): Louise Freemantle, Clinical Lead Physiotherapist, Lauren Drake, Clinical Lead OT for MY Therapy Neuro team.

Stroke and neurology patients in Wakefield are set to benefit from new rehabilitation equipment, thanks to a successful bid from the MY Therapy neurology team at Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust.

The trust is excited to introduce a Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) kit for community therapy. This ground breaking equipment helps people with neurological conditions, such as stroke or multiple sclerosis, access faster, more effective therapy close to home.

With around 800 stroke patients seen in Wakefield each year, the FES kits are a major addition to the community therapy service. The kits work by sending small electrical pulses to stimulate weak muscles. Repeated use helps retrain the brain and muscles to work together again, improving movement and strength over time.

Until now, patients who needed neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) for upper limb rehabilitation often faced long waits, with referrals made outside the area, usually to Sheffield.

Carol Spray, Service Lead for MY Therapy Adult Community Services, said:

Over 70% of stroke patients experience weakness in their arms or hands. This kit means patients can start treatment straight away, with the aim of helping them regain arm and hand function. Everyday activities like dressing, eating, or holding objects may become easier and patients will gain more independence.

Following changes to stroke rehabilitation guidelines in 2023, other local services had already begun investing in this equipment, creating differences in care. Wakefield patients will now have the same access to cutting-edge therapy without delay.

Tim Hodgkins, Director of Operations for Adult Community Services added:

We are absolutely thrilled to finally have this equipment. It allows us to deliver evidence-based therapy here in Wakefield, without our patients having to wait or be referred elsewhere. This will improve patient outcomes and ensure fairer access to care for our community. A huge thank you to the MY Therapy Adult Community Services team and MY Hospitals Charity for making it possible.

The purchase was made possible thanks to MY Hospitals Charity, which supports the delivery of improved patient care across Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust. For more information, visit: www.myhospitalscharity.org

If you would like to make a donation to support Stroke and Neurology at the Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust please visit: https://bit.ly/4nXUxYL