New service launched to help stroke victims under 65

STROKE sufferers under the age of 65 are to benefit from a new service in the Capital.

NHS Lothian has launched a rehabilitation scheme which will operate as a two-year pilot from the Craighall and Firrhill centres.

The Edinburgh Community Stroke Service includes two consultants in rehabilitation medicine, occupational therapists and day centre officers, with ongoing referrals to speech therapy and clinical neuropsychology.

Two part-time physiotherapists will also be on hand to assist patients and the units will be supported by liaison nurses from Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland.