From ICU to his garden
After spending almost nine weeks in hospital following a stroke, 69-year-old John Plant is now back home with his family enjoying time in his garden.
John was admitted to Queen’s Hospital on 25 April after a stroke and spent time in Jubilee Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where he was intubated and unable to breathe or swallow on his own.
“It was scary,” said John. “I don’t remember a lot of the first part of my stay, but I do remember how uncomfortable it was not being able to swallow or speak properly.”
As part of his recovery, John was treated using Phagenyx, a device which stimulates the throat to help restore the swallowing reflex.
For patients like John, whose swallowing difficulties are linked to reduced sensation, recovery would previously have involved waiting for their swallowing to improve naturally. This could take a long time. Phagenyx helped John regain his ability to swallow much sooner.
“The device wasn’t painful,” said John. “Most of the time it just felt a bit tingly.”
The difference was lifechanging. Following his treatment, John was able to eat and drink normally again and join other patients at the ward’s breakfast club. His voice, which became quiet and weak following his stroke, also returned to near normal.
Emily Mason, Stroke Speech and Language Therapist, said: “Before Phagenyx, there were no reliable, evidence-based treatments for this type of swallowing difficulty. We had to wait for swallowing to improve naturally, which could take a long time and sometimes mean a feeding tube was needed.
“With Phagenyx, we’ve seen patients improve much more quickly, including making progress with eating and drinking. Some have been able to go straight home instead of spending more time in a rehabilitation unit with a feeding tube.
“This treatment can make a huge difference to recovery and quality of life. John responded more quickly than we’ve seen here in someone with his type of stroke. It’s wonderful to see how far he’s come.”
Before leaving hospital, John said he was looking forward to a home-cooked meal and sitting in his garden with wife Elaine and their children, Philip and Katie. He is now home doing just that, as well as spending time with his four grandchildren, Alfie, Sophie, Ella and Poppy.
“I’m very grateful for the care I’ve received at Queen’s Hospital,” he said.
John’s recovery is one example of how innovation is helping patients recover faster and return home sooner. Early results suggest our use of Phagenyx could also reduce hospital stays and deliver savings of around £300,000 a year.
Read our previous story to find out more about how Phagenyx is improving patient care while delivering better value for money.