A FAMILY are praising the work of the emergency stroke team and the mobile stroke unit after it helped save a woman’s life.

Terry Lack has credited the team, from Southend Hospital, with saving his wife’s life after she had a stroke and is urging health leaders to make it a permanent fixture.

Mr Lack, 78, said: “It is an absolutely wonderful thing and I cannot praise the team enough.”

On Friday, Mr Lack noticed his wife Jill was feeling unwell and that the side of her mouth was drooping.

He said: “So we called the ambulance and it arrived within ten minutes but then just after that this great big thing pulled up in my driveway and two medics - I guess they were neurologists - got out with huge backpacks and began seeing to my wife.

“They then took her out to the mobile stroke unit and the kit they had in there was incredible.”

The mobile stroke unit, which is currently on trial in the Southend region, has onboard a CT scanner and blood-testing equipment so stroke experts can diagnose and start treating patients immediately.

Mr Lack added: “When I get my blood tested, I have to wait a week for the results, but with Jill they gave her a scan and showed us the clot almost immediately.

“They also did multiple blood tests and had the results right away.

“It was so comforting to see her being diagnosed and treated right in front of our eyes - it really was amazing.”

Jill, 82, was taken to Southend Hospital where luckily, it was discovered the clot was treatable and she is expected to make a full recovery.

Terry added: “It is truly amazing what they did and every hospital in the country needs to have one.

“I think because she was seen so quickly and they were able to work on her there and then - that probably saved her life.”

Southend Hospital confirmed the mobile stroke unit was still being used on a trial basis to collect data and determine any benefits the service may have for those who have suffered suspected strokes.