Early supported discharge for stroke

The early supported discharge (ESD) service allows patients who have had a stroke get an early discharge from hospital. You then continue with your assessment and rehabilitation in your own home, under the care of specialist therapists.

The ESD for stroke team consists of a physiotherapist, an occupational therapist, a speech and language therapist and a medical social worker.  They provide specialised stroke assessment and therapy and a rehabilitation plan that is tailored for your needs. 

Your medical team may discuss the option of ESD with you while you are an inpatient in the hospital. If you are suitable for ESD, they will ask for your consent and then refer you to the ESD team. 

If you are accepted onto the ESD programme, you will meet a member of the ESD team before you go home. Your ESD programme will start within one working day of your discharge from the hospital.

What will the ESD programme allow you to do?

• Take part in rehabilitation in your own home.
• Set your own goals with help from the therapists.
• Keep doing the things that are important to you.
• Become more independent.

Useful Links

• Irish Heart Foundation Stroke Action
• Irish Heart Foundation
• HSE stroke information
• Volunteer Stroke Scheme
• Headway Brain Injury Services and Support