Staff and communities are being thanked for all the support they have given to recovering stroke patients at Hollybank House in Willenhall as the unit closes its doors today (Thursday 30 April).

 Stroke patients across Walsall and Wolverhampton are going to receive high-quality rehabilitation in their own homes and communities now the transformation of the service is getting underway from 1 May.

Teams from Walsall Healthcare and The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trusts have been working to create a more responsive and comprehensive community rehabilitation service. The focus for patients receiving stroke rehabilitation will be ‘home first ‘ to continue their recovery in their usual place of residence. Bed-based rehabilitation will be available for those who need it from the West Park Rehabilitation Hospital in Wolverhampton, which will now also welcome Walsall patients.

 The new model reflects the nationally recommended Integrated Community Stroke Service (ICSS) approach, which brings together early supported discharge and community stroke rehabilitation into one integrated service. This will be delivered by a specialist multi-disciplinary team including Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Nurses, Psychologists and Speech and Language Therapists.

While Hollybank House is closing, Walsall patents will still be able to boost their rehabilitation through the gym facilities offered at Short Health Clinic.

Stephanie Cartwright, Group Chief Community and Partnerships Officer for the Trusts, said: “I know I speak for the many patients and families who have been supported in stroke recovery when I say how grateful we are to the Hollybank House teams who have been providing excellent rehabilitation services there.

“Thank you for the vital role you have played in helping our patients. And thank you to the Walsall communities who have also been keen to offer help during our time at Hollybank.

 “We know our teams’ skills and expertise will continue to make a meaningful impact in their new home at West Park and also in patient’s own homes. Patients will benefit from a specialist stroke rehabilitation service delivered at home or as close to home as possible, supporting a return to independence and better long-term outcomes for our population.”