Excellence in Stroke Care Award
Sponsored by Fresenius Kabi, distributors of Thick and Easy
A wide range of health, social care and other professionals work tirelessly to reduce the impact of stroke in the UK. This award recognises exceptional service in the provision of stroke care. This year the award is presented to a speech and language therapist who has demonstrated commitment to raising the quality of stroke care.
Winner – Annie Laverty, Alnwick, Northumberland
Award winner Annie Laverty (right) with award presenter Wendy Holden
Annie is a speech and language therapist at Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, and has worked with stroke survivors for almost 20 years. As Head of the Stroke Northumbria Service, Annie leads a large team committed to providing excellent stroke care. Their results were the best in the North East in 2006.
Annie has involved people who have had a stroke in all aspects of the service, in teaching, research, and improving the quality of care. People who have had a stroke sit at the heart of the service structure and are included in all service planning. With her support four self-help groups have been established. She is hardworking, committed and passionate about ensuring people who have had a stroke and their families receive the best possible care.
Annie has an exceptional ability to listen to the real needs of her patients and provide therapy around these concerns. She is also aware that stroke has a huge impact on families and always manages to ensure that carers have a voice. With a great sense of humour, Annie manages to make each therapy session relevant and interesting, and builds the confidence and self belief of patients. Passionate about ensuring families have access to the information that they need, she has developed an award-winning pathway of care and user-led information strategy to meet people’s needs in the short, medium and long-term. Annie is greatly valued by stroke survivors, their families and colleagues.
Excellence in Stroke Care Award
Winner - Annie Laverty
