Stroke Association Rehabilitation Research Centre officially opens in Southampton

The Stroke Association Rehabilitation Research Centre will be officially opened on Wednesday 28 January 2004 by the University of Southampton and The Stroke Association and members of the press are invited to attend the event.

The Centre is based at Southampton General Hospital and run by a team of researchers from the University of Southampton and clinicians from the NHS Trusts in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Southampton. The programme is based on a multidisciplinary approach to recovery after stroke and the reduction of disability. This comprehensive programme, the first of its kind in Britain, was made possible by an award of £500,000 over five years by The Stroke Association.

The focus of the Centre is on investigating and understanding which rehabilitation interventions are most effective, ultimately, creating a model of treatment that benefits patients directly and informs the future development and delivery of clinical services across the UK.

Professor Ann Ashburn of the University's School of Health Professions and Rehabilitation Sciences is leading the research: 'Our distinctive research programme brings together experts from a range of professions at the University of Southampton with senior clinicians currently working with people with stroke. Through this partnership, we will explore the process of rehabilitation and identify therapies that will most benefit people with stroke.'

Margaret Goose, Chief Executive of he Stroke Association said " The Stroke Association was impressed by the multi-disciplinary and innovative approach to stroke rehabilitation research and the recognition of Southampton University to work closely with clinicians in the NHS to benefit patients of all ages affected by stroke."

The opening event begins at 4.30pm with The Mayor of Southampton, Councillor Mrs Parvin Damani MBE in attendance.

The Stroke Association Rehabilitation Research Centre will be officially opened by the University of Southampton Vice-Chancellor Professor Bill Wakeham.


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Notes for editors:

General Notes

1 About Stroke

A stroke happens when the blood supply to the brain is disrupted. Most strokes occur when a blood clot blocks the flow of blood to the brain. Some strokes are caused by bleeding in or around the brain from a burst blood vessel. When the blood supply is disrupted, parts of the brain become damaged or destroyed. Some strokes are fatal whilst others can cause permanent or temporary paralysis to one side of the body and loss of the ability to speak, read or write. Recovery may be slow and can vary from person to person.

2. Stroke is one of the biggest killers and has a greater disability impact than any other medical condition in the UK. Around 100,000 people in England and Wales suffer a first stroke each year - about 10,000 are under the age of 55 and 1,000 are under the age of 30. One person every five minutes will suffer a first stroke.

The University of Southampton is a leading UK teaching and research institution with a global reputation for leading-edge research and scholarship. The University has 20,000 students and over 4,500 staff and plays an important role in the City of Southampton. Its annual turnover is in the region of £250 million.

The School of Health Professions and Rehabilitation Sciences was established in 1993 and is at the forefront in healthcare research, education and professional practice. The school is part of the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences and is engaged in research activities across a range of specialist fields including occupational therapy, physiotherapy and podiatry. The school also offers an active programme of taught postgraduate courses and postgraduate research students.

The Stroke Association is a national charity which is solely concerned with stroke. It funds research into prevention, treatment and better methods of rehabilitation and helps stroke patients and their families directly through its community services. We also campaign, educate and inform to increase knowledge of stroke at all levels of society and we act as a voice for everyone affected by stroke.


Useful web sites for journalists:

University of Southampton

The Stroke Association Rehabilitation Research Centre


For further information:

Professor Ann Ashburn, Health Professions and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Southampton
Tel: 023 8079 6469
Email: Professor Ann Ashburn

Lisa Chung, Press Officer, Press and Public Relations, University of Southampton
Tel: 023 8059 4993
Email: Lisa Chung

For more information about The Stroke Association contact the Media Team

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