We want your views!

Working Progress 

Stroke Services

Hyperacute Stroke Unit Consultation

A consultation until 11^th September 2011  by NHS County Durham and Darlington, is under way for the proposed closure of the stroke unit at Darlington Memorial Hospital. It is proposed that hyperacute stroke services will be delivered on one site at the University Hospital of North Durham, whilst rehabilitation phases would be delivered from Bishop Auckland General Hospital

At the moment services are provided by Darlington Memorial Hospital and the University Hospital of North Durham, as well as an alternating week rota to provide out of hours cover.  However, due to a number of urgent challenges the joint service will not be sustainable for the future.

Darlington LINk is concerned what that means for the people of Darlington and have set up a Stroke Task Group to formulate a response alongside the public consultation.  It is an opportunity for you to have your say on what you think is best for Darlington.

Darlington LINk would like to hear your views either as patients, carers, family or friends. Please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or write to Freepost RSGX-HBSK-YXBB, Darlington LINk,  Evolution Building,Church Row, Darlington, DL1 5Q 

Mental Health

Darlington LINk has a Mental Health Task Group made up of individuals and organisations who are passionate about improving mental health services. The group is currently reviewing access to the mental health crisis team.

Darlington LINk would like to hear your views either as patients, carers, family or friends. Please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or write to Freepost RSGX-HBSK-YXBB, Darlington LINk,  Evolution Building,Church Row, Darlington, DL1 5Q 

Care Homes

Dying for a Drink

According to figures released by the National Office of Statistics, over 650 elderly care home residents in the UK have died of dehydration over the last 5 years. Darlington LINk  are exploring the dietary provisions in local care homes and are keen to ensure that carers are made aware of a patients need for water. Carers need to monitor how much their residents are drinking, yet in many cases this is overlooked.

Older people can lose their thirst response and their taste sensation so they do not necessarily know they need a drink. They may be confined to bed and simply unable to reach for their glass.  Medical evidence has shown that good hydration in older people can assist in the management of a whole range of conditions and illnesses.

Water is one of the six basic nutrients, along with carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, proteins and minerals, yet many vulnerable individuals are missing out on the support and guidance they need to help maintain a healthy level of hydration. Care Homes should ensure that fresh drinking water is available to all residents throughout the day and night as well as with meals, but do they know if adequate quantities are been consumed?

Darlington LINk   would like to hear your views either as patients, carers, family or friends. Please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or write to Freepost RSGX-HBSK-YXBB, Darlington LINk  , Evolution Building,Church Row, Darlington, DL1 5QD

Access to Public Transport

Darlington LINk  are currently gathering information on the problems people face when accessing public  transport. There have been reported instances in Darlington where disabled passengers have been denied access to a bus, leaving them stranded at the bus stop.    Sometimes this has been due to no room on the bus or because there was no disability access at all. We strongly encourage you to report any such instances, both to Darlington LINk   and to the relevant bus company so that they can clearly monitor any such issues. 

Darlington LINk   would like to hear your views either as patients, carers, family or friends. Please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or write to Freepost RSGX-HBSK-YXBB, Darlington LINk  , Evolution Building,Church Row, Darlington, DL1 5QD

GP Surgeries

Darlington LINk visited all 11 GP surgeries and gathered information about communication between the GP's & Hospitals.  This has now been passed to the PCT & NHS Foundation Trust who have set a project up to look into discharge concerns. The group will review the processes in 6 months time.