Stroke patients in Bradford are being treated in a better environment following a £400,000 refurbishment programme.

Bradford Royal Infirmary’s Stroke Unit has moved into ward nine from ward 24 after a refit which took ten weeks to complete.

It means the unit can now cater for up to 23 patients instead of the previous 14.

“Ward nine provides a much better environment for stroke patients,” said consultant stroke physician, Dr Chris Patterson. “There is more space around the bed areas with tracking hoists over each bed to facilitate patient transfers.

“The most dependent patients are now more visible from the nursing station and the new physiological monitoring equipment which we’ve purchased will aid their early care.

“The increase in bed numbers improves our ability to admit patients directly from A&E, which is of great benefit, since early specialist stroke care is vital in reducing complications and maximising recovery.”

The refurbished ward is split into three bays with four single side rooms and four new wet rooms which are accessible for patients with disabilities.

Each bed is serviced by an over-bed track hoist facility which means that patients can be lifted in and out of bed easily.

“The bathroom and shower facilities are luxurious compared with the previous accommodation,” said Dr Patterson.

The new ward also has a clinic room to allow assessment of patients who’ve had a mini-stroke and for neurology procedures.

There is also a separate space for staff meetings and a quiet area to talk to relatives as well as a new therapy room on the ward itself.

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