A DEDICATED worker at Wycombe Hospital has been recognised for her exceptional service after being nominated by a patient from Marlow.

Susie MacTavish, stroke co-ordinator at the hospital, received the Stroke Association's Life After Stroke "Excellence in Stroke Care" Award at a ceremony on August 9.

She was put forward by Jane Hurst of Marlow Bottom, who was a patient of Mrs MacTavish from November 2005 to February 2006.

Mrs Hurst said: "Susie is an extraordinary person; she doesn't just "go the extra mile", she runs it smiling.

"Her knowledge is outstanding, she genuinely cares about her patients and she goes on caring after they have been discharged, offering guidance and support.

"Nobody deserves this award more than Susie; she is largely responsible for the phenomenal success of the stroke ward at Wycombe Hospital."

A stroke happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is disrupted and parts of the brain become damaged or destroyed.

Some strokes are fatal while others can cause permanent or temporary disabilities such as paralysis to one side of the body and loss of the ability to speak, read or write.

Recovery may be slow and can vary from person to person.

Strokes are the third biggest killer and the leading cause of adult disability in the UK, affecting an estimated 150,000 people each year.

Jon Barrick, chief executive of The Stroke Association, said: "Mrs MacTavish's devotion to helping stroke survivors rebuild their lives at this crucial stage of their recovery is invaluable and deserves the highest praise.

"I would like to congratulate her on her achievements. Her hard work goes a long way to ensure that, for many, there is life after stroke."