A WIRRAL hospital service that has helped thousands of stroke patients recover is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its launch this week.

The ESD (Early Supported Discharge) Service, run by Wirral University Teaching Hospital, helps stroke patients return to daily activities such as walking, shopping, reading, cooking and driving.

Among those praising it is Brian Lloyd, 81, who is back enjoying the things he loves just four months after suffering a serious stroke at his home is Eastham.

After waking one morning, Brian felt dizzy and fell down the stairs.

Despite being unable to talk, he managed to call a friend for help and was rushed to Arrowe Park Hospital by ambulance.

Medics responded quickly and after five days, Brian was well enough to leave hospital and began stroke rehabilitation in the comfort of his own home.

Since its launch a decade ago, the ESD has helped more than 3,000 people recover.

Its team of specialists provide occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech and language therapy to eligible patients who have been discharged from the Acute Stroke Unit at Arrowe Park Hospital and Clatterbridge Hospital's Stroke Rehab Centre.

Brian explained: "I've had fantastic support from the ESD team who have made a huge difference to me, particularly with improving my speech and ability to write.

"I've had some physio and have been receiving occupational therapy and speech and language therapy at home since being discharged.

"It was important to me to avoid a lengthy hospital stay and I think it's helped me to get better sooner.

"I've been really impressed with the support I've had and it's been much easier not having to travel to the appointments."

Motoring enthusiast, Brian, has made huge progress since leaving hospital and is looking forward to driving again soon having recently passed his driving assessment.

He goes on his exercise bike every day and is continuing to do activities set by his therapists to further help his recovery.

Jenny Lawrence, ESD Clinical Lead for Occupational Therapy helped to set up the hospital's service when it was first launched ten years ago.

She said: "Our ESD team provides specialist rehabilitation in a community setting at levels comparable to that of a hospital in-patient stroke unit.

"No-one wants to be in hospital longer than necessary and evidence shows that providing this care brings real benefits to stroke patients including reducing disabilities and improving quality of life.

"We are very proud of how far the service has come in the last decade.

"Mr Lloyd has worked hard on his recovery and is a great example of the difference we can make to our patients."

To celebrate their 10th birthday, the ESD team is holding a cake sale in aid of WUTH Charity's Stroke Fund on Thursday, April 25 at Clatterbridge Hospital's rehabilitation centre from 10.30am to 12.30pm.