Bexhill hairdresser Susan Muscat, 53, was rushed by ambulance to the Conquest Hospital, Hastings, when she suffered a stroke - her second in a few months.

By the time she arrived she was seriously ill and had lost the ability to speak.

But following treatment with a new clot-busting drug - and to the amazement of both her family and medical staff - she was up and about the next day.

Consultant Stroke Physician and Clinical Lead of Stroke Service Development Dr MJH Rahmani said: "This lady came in with quite marked stroke symptoms - she was unable to speak and had weakness of her left side.

"I could see the stroke getting worse and I could see the desperation on her face. Her life was literally falling apart in front of her.

"I gave her the treatment and she made a miraculous recovery. She was up and about the next morning.

"I was taken aback by the effectiveness of the treatment. Without it she could have been left with a speech deficit and disabled for the rest of her life.

"She was so grateful, she said 'you have given me my life back'."

Said Susan: "My treatment was absolutely amazing. If I could have gone private I don't think I'd have got better. I really felt good afterwards. My husband, son and I just want to thank them all."

She only stayed in hospital for a few days and then was well enough to return home.

"My whole team was so pleased for her," said Dr Rahmani. "To make such a difference to somebody's life is wonderful.

"People need to know how good this service is."
He particularly stressed that anyone who may be suffering a stroke needs to get to the hospital as soon as possible.

"The treatment is only effective within the first three hours - timing is absolutely crucial."

Providing it is given within that timescale, the clot-busting drug significantly reduces the disabling damage caused by a stroke.

The Conquest Hospital is the first to have introduced the new thrombolysis treatment in the region, currently available 9am to 5pm Mondays to Fridays.