A new service to support patients recovering from stroke, as well as their families, has been launched.

This 12-month pilot project, financed by Stroke Quality Improvement for Rehabilitation (SQuIRe), aims to assist stroke survivors with complex care needs as they transition from hospital to home or nursing residential care.

The North Cumbria Community Stroke Discharge and Support Team includes two occupational therapists, two nurses, a principal psychological practitioner, a team secretary and a team lead/case manager.

They will work closely with stroke teams at Cumberland Infirmary and West Cumberland Hospital to identify patients who could benefit from this service.

The team will aim to reduce the patient's hospital stay length and prevent hospital readmission.

Jo Howard, early supported stroke discharge co-ordinator at North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust (NCIC), said: "The service will be an innovative way of working in north Cumbria.

"This new service will enhance the support which is already available for stroke patients, families and carers following discharge from hospital."

Vicky Reay, team lead and case manager for the new service, said: "There is already a lot of great work being done by NHS, local authority and third sector teams across north Cumbria to support individuals and their families following a stroke.

"We are excited to work alongside these services and collaborate to enhance quality of life after stroke for people in our communities."

The launch of the service coincides with Stroke Awareness Month, which runs throughout May.

Throughout this period, stroke teams at north Cumbria hospitals will be spreading stroke prevention advice and raising awareness.

The advice includes information about lowering blood pressure to reduce stroke risk by 25 per cent, diagnosis of Atrial Fibrillation - a heart condition which multiplies stroke risk by five - through a simple pulse check, and controlling cholesterol levels to mitigate stroke risk by 10 per cent.

Guidance will also be given on risks related to diabetes, a condition that can damage blood vessels due to high blood sugar levels.

Advice to reduce stroke risk includes regular exercise, dietary improvements, reducing alcohol intake and cessation of smoking for blood pressure control and adopting healthier eating habits to manage cholesterol and reduce the risk of type two diabetes.