Leading stroke specialist Professor Pippa Tyrrell has been given a national Life After Stroke Special Recognition Award for her pioneering work to transform the quality of stroke care in the UK.
Prof Tyrrell is honorary stroke consultant at Salford Royal and Professor of Stroke Medicine at The University of Manchester and was the first specialist stroke physician to be appointed in Manchester in 1995.
She played a key part in transforming stroke services in Greater Manchester, enabling stroke patients to access the ‘gold standard’ of care within the vital first few hours after a stroke. Stroke patients were previously admitted to district stroke centres at their local hospital, with limited access to access to emergency treatment. Now, all emergency treatment is centralised at Salford Royal, Stepping Hill and Fairfield, giving patients 24/7 access to emergency ‘clot-busting’ thrombolysis and brain scans. Her research has also led to changes in national guidelines for the use of early, intensive communication therapy after stroke.
Prof Tyrrell said: “I’m truly honoured to receive this award. When I became a consultant 20 years ago, treatment for stroke was virtually non-existent. Thanks to organisations like the Stroke Association, who have championed new and better ways of treating stroke, all stroke patients in the UK can now expect to receive a much higher level of care. By continuing to invest in world-class research, we will, one day, conquer stroke.”
Prof Tyrrell is a member of the Stroke Association’s Scientific Committee and Chair of the charity’s Research Awards Pool. She also set up the stroke speciality training programme for doctors in the North West.
Chris Larkin, North West Regional Director for the Stroke Association, said: “Pippa’s compassion and dedication to helping others is an example to us all. Not only has Pippa revolutionised the treatment and care for stroke patients, but through her teaching and mentoring, she’s inspiring the next generation of stroke specialists.”
The Stroke Association’s Life After Stroke Awards recognise the courage shown by stroke survivors and carers, as well as the great work and commitment shown by health professionals, groups and supporter organisations.
More information and short films about the winners can be found at: www.stroke.org.uk/lasa