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3rd April 2009

Bird helps to save stroke patient’s life

Broomfield Hospital’s new stroke unit was officially opened this week by the first patient to be treated on the ward after receiving a revolutionary new clot busting drug.

Brian Molineaux was a patient on the newly refurbished stroke unit at Broomfield Hospital for four days after suffering a stroke at his home in Chelmsford, whilst feeding his 17 year old cockatiel. 

Brian said:” Monday the 2nd of March was like every Monday.  It was a little after 8.30a.m and it was time for some green tea. Then it all went wrong, I was sprawled across the floor, tangled up with my chair, unable to get up despite my struggles. Of course I was lying on my right arm and if I could only free that then I could get up. The arm didn’t want to move, nor did my right leg, I was frustrated, powerless and voiceless too.”

“Now this gets surreal, my 17 year old cockatiel likes her seed and water changed in the mornings and grumbles when I don’t do it immediately. Unknown to me she was getting quite vocal which brought my wife downstairs to find out why I wasn’t answering the bird.”

Mrs Molineaux realised immediately that her husband could have suffered a stroke and called an ambulance immediately that took Brian to Broomfield Hospital where he was met by the stroke team.

Dr George Zachariah, stroke consultant, suggested that Brian was a suitable candidate for a ‘clot-busting’ medicine called alteplase.  This is used to dissolve blood clots, but is only effective is used during the first three hours after a stroke has taken place.

Dr Zachariah said: “Mr Molineaux was the 14th person that we have given the clot busting drug to and I am pleased to say that the treatment proved very successful.  It is vital that people can spot the signs of a stroke so if they are with anyone who suffers a stroke they can call an ambulance and get them to hospital immediately, acting quickly is vital when it comes to a stroke.”

Mr Molineaux spent four days on the stroke unit undergoing various tests and sessions with the physiotherapists before being discharged.

He adds;” Half way through my hospital stay I found out exactly how ill I really was, and it was scary, even in retrospect. I had been thinking that I had had a minor stroke with no lasting effects; I now know that I could have been suffering the problems of stroke patients that I have known in the past. I have been lucky, very lucky. However with the right physician and facilities; the right treatment recently becoming available; and dare I say my perfect timing it has been a miracle for me, and my family and friends.

The treatment was remarkable; of course it almost goes without saying that those who administered that treatment to me are very special too.”

The new 21 bedded unit, which took its first patients in February 2009, is specifically for the treatment and rehabilitation of stroke patients.  It is situated on the ground floor at Broomfield Hospital and includes a therapy room and outside area for the patients.

ENDS

Media contact : Jo Triggs tel: (01245) 514235 | Mobile : 0790 005 4948