Offical launch
Strokewatch - the Official Launch

Strokewatch, new name and new look, was officially launched on Thursday 26th April 2001 at 10.a.m. at Staff House, University of Hull.

The launch was part of an "In" Networking Day hosted by In Healthy Living Network Ltd 10am-4pm.
Various presentations by members of Strokewatch were made during the morning.
Lunch was provided and there was a Strokewatch display and information stand, and workshops on many aspects of disability.

The following report appears with the kind permission of the editor of the
Hull Daily Mail
reporter
Debbie Sutton Friday April 27 2001

Looking to a healthy future
Stroke watchdog launched at disabilities conference.

DISABLED people from across Yorkshire gathered to discuss issues affecting their day-to-day lives at a packed networking conference.

About a 150 people attended the In Healthy Living Networking Day at the University of Hull, Cottingham Road.

It provides services for disabled people based on the social model of disability, which aims to identify and remove barriers preventing the full involvement of disabled people in society.

Delegates heard about the progress of the network and its 16 partner organisations - which include a new watchdog for stroke patients in East Yorkshire.

Strokewatch - an offshoot of the OK Stroke Club - will replace the Hull and East Riding Stroke Survivors' Forum.

It aims to raise the concerns of stroke patients and their families with the relevant authorities.

Its secretary, Dilys Page, said: "The change in name represents our change in role. We began life campaigning for improved care for stroke patients in East Yorkshire. Now we have secured the stroke unit at Hull Royal Infirmary and we are working with the health authority and hospital trusts to deliver the service. We are a consultative and constructive watchdog, keeping a close eye on the operation and quality of the stroke service."

David McCormick, chief officer of the In Healthy Living Network, said he was delighted to see so many people at the networking event.

He said: "The aim of the event was to inform people about the progress of In over the past year and to look forward to the future. We were encouraged to see so many people at the event. They all had ideas and opinions about available services and what the In network could provide. Their suggestions will be used in our consultation process to direct the services we offer."

For information about Strokesurvivors,
e-mail strokesurvivors@hotmail.com