Mike Sweeney and BBC Radio Manchester colleagues were broadcasting live from our stroke rehabilitation unit on the morning of Thursday 23rd October.
BBC Radio Manchester have been promoting a number of local awareness programmes during World Stroke Month, and Mike Sweeney has been drawing on his own experience of experiencing a stroke earlier in the year.
The programme included interviews with stroke unit colleagues, volunteers and patients.
Consultant Dr Suman gave an overview of the care provided at the unit, while exploring symptoms and consequences of stroke. Mandy Stewart gave an insight into stroke nursing, including her own experience of stroke in the family. Ruth West, a patient currently on the stroke unit at the moment, talked of her own experiences.
Kat Sykes and Helen Blane put Mike through his paces on the unit’s rehabilitation exercise equipment, including an interactive video game supplied by Stockport NHS Charity.
Phil Wilson gave his experience both as a patient on the unit ten years ago, and as a volunteer now. And fellow volunteer Linda Mellor together with therapy dog Archie explored the comfort pet therapy can provide for stroke patients.
Finally, members of the unit surprised Mike himself by presenting him with a stroke ambassador certificate.
The full programme is available on the BBC Sounds app for the next thirty days on the link below, with key times in the broadcast below this.
Mike Sweeney - 23/10/2025 - BBC Sounds
Key Times:
1:09 - Mike Sweeney’s intro
1:27 – Patient interview – Ruth West
1:39 – Consultant interview – Dr Suman
1:51 – Nursing interview – Mandy Stewart
2:18 – Therapy interview / interaction – Kat Sykes and Helen Blane
2:34 – Volunteer / former patient interview – Phil Wilson
2:50 – Volunteer interview – Linda Mellor and therapy dog Archie
2:56 – Ward team presents stroke ambassadorship certificate to Mike Sweeney