The Ghana UK Stroke Link was formed in 2008 and is in the early stages of development. It is a multidisciplinary initiative between Ghanaian health services in Accra and a group of health professionals with an expertise in stroke disease from around the south of England. The group is hosted by Hampshire Community Health Care Trust.

Non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes and stroke are significant, and increasing, health problems in Ghana. Stroke is in the top five causes of death nationally and is the second cause of death in the urban area of Greater Accra. The consequences of stroke disease create many challenges for patients, their families and healthcare staff.

A multidisciplinary team of stroke specialist healthcare professionals visited two hospitals in the city of Accra in March 2009. They collaborated with colleagues in Ghana, both frontline healthcare professionals and senior management, to discuss and review local stroke services. Multi-professional workshops on stroke management, directed by needs identified by the Ghanaian health team, were delivered. An action plan for stroke service improvements was outlined by the Ghanaian team.

Further collaboration, including a visit, is planned for 2010 with a view to supporting sustainable education and development in stroke management, initially within Greater Accra.

If you would like any further information please contact claire.spice@porthosp.nhs.uk

• Ghana UK Stroke Visit
• Contact Details Ghana UK Stroke