A SUPPORT team for stroke patients have celebrated visiting their 1,000th client.

The early discharge team from the Royal Bournemouth Hospital was set up to help rehabilitate stroke patients in the comfort of their own home, rather than in the unfamiliar environment of the wards.

Clinical lead and physiotherapist Michelle Heath and nurse Sarah Jones joined 80-year-old Peggy Boobier at her home with a cake and flowers.

"They mean everything to me," said Peggy, who lives with her husband John in Southbourne.

"It is the encouragement, knowing there is someone you can contact if there is a problem, and having someone to tell you to do your exercises. Being only human it doesn't get done otherwise.

"And they have always been such great fun."

Mrs Boobier, who suffered a stroke on September 26, said life after she was discharged would have been a struggle without the team to support her.

Consisting of physiotherapists, occupational therapists and a speech and language therapist among others, the team was established four years ago to bridge the gap between hospital and the first follow up appointment.

Typically they will spend around two weeks with each patient helping them adapt to life with more limited control over their bodies, visiting once or twice a day as patients require.

"Before the team was set up people were staying in hospital for far longer than necessary when they were fit and healthy enough to return home," said Michelle.

"It is better for people to be working through things in their own home, for instance it is an easier process learning to use your own hob than something in a hospital you have never seen before."

She said functional tests showed all the team's patients were improving, or at least maintaining their condition, while the hospital trust's satisfaction survey showed 92 per cent of patients were 'very satisfied' with the service.

Mrs Boobier, who was discharged a fortnight ago, will be going on for further therapy, if needed, at the Christchurch Day Hospital.