Stroke patients guided back to health by manual

STROKE patients and their families are to be handed manuals that help them deal with the aftermath of the illness.

The Stoke Workbook, which is being launched by NHS Lothian, is similar to a much-praised guide to coping with heart attacks. It will be piloted in the local area before being rolled out across Scotland.

The booklet provides guidance on how to deal with both the physical and psychological effects of a stroke.

The number of people suffering strokes is on a downward trend, but levels still remain high and it is one of the area's most common ailments.

Louise Taylor, head of the Heart Manual Department, said: "The Stroke Workbook will empower patients and their families by helping them gain an understanding of the diagnosis, encouraging them to increase confidence and maintain as well as improve their overall health."