Much published research into the rehabilitation of patients following stroke has documented the lack of coordination between the various services for stroke patients and the Ineffectiveness of the targeting of services for patients. In an attempt to improve this situation, a stroke liaison officer has been recruited from the occupational therapy profession in South Staffordshire. Her role is to coordinate and plan services for stroke patients in hospital and the community and to act as a focal point for communication for patients, relatives and carers. The article explains the background to the project and identifies those areas where the stroke liaison officer may have an impact.
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