Edinburgh
Community
Stroke
Service

Who are we?

The Edinburgh Community Stroke Service is a joint initiative by NHS Lothian and the city of Edinburgh Council Department of Health and Social Care with the support of Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland.

The ECSS is distinct from the other services at the Centres and takes place Mondays at Firrhill and Wednesdays at Craighall.

We can provide

• Independence practice in the personal, domestic, work or leisure activities that are important to you
• Support/advice if you want to get out the house, overcoming practical mobility problems and building confidence
• Advice and therapy to help improve hand/arm function
• Help to improve wheelchair skills
• A rehabilitation programme to improve concentration, memory and thinking skills
• "Lifestyle management" support e.g. coping with stress, fatigue and low confidence

Could you benefit?

Continuing your rehabilitation after a stroke can be a challenge on your own. You may have been assessed as being able to manage the basics, to get by at home, but rehabilitation to your everyday life is a longer process.

Participating in the programme also provides an opportunity to gain support from others who are experiencing similar difficulties.

Most of the programme takes place within our purpose built Centres. However, we also aim to increase the opportunities for users of the service to develop interests in community settings beyond the Centres. For example you may be supported to access a local gym or fitness club.

Each person has an individually planned programme designed to meet their own needs.

The service is currently available to adults living in the city of Edinburgh who are under 65 years of age.

Facilities
Our buildings are particularly suitable for use by people of all abilities. There is level access to all areas, including the spacious, specially adapted, toilets.

Staffing
The programme is run by a small team that includes Occupational Therapists and Day Centre Officers. We also link with Chest, Heart and Stroke Community Nurses, Physiotherapists, Speech and Language Therapists and the Neuro-psychology service.

Expenses
There is no charge for the use of the service. There are coffee bar facilities at the Centres and lunch is available for £3.

Interested?
To access the Edinburgh Community Stroke Service speak with your Community Stroke Nurse, GP or other health professional. They can make referral via the Council's Social Care Direct contact team: 0131 200 2324

	Craighall (North Edinburgh): 210 Ferry Road Edinburgh EH6 4RB 0131 551 2194
	Firrhill (South Edinburgh): 257 Colinton Road Edinburgh EH14 1DW 0131 441 7162

How to get there:
Door-to-door transport may be available if you are unable to travel independently.
Both Centres have parking or can be reached by public transport.