The idea of this project was conceived at Keele University in May 2017. We were doing our first module in MSc in Stroke Medicine. The module was about stroke service development and improvement. Each participant was asked to think about a project. I thought about setting up stroke units in the Sudan. This idea was welcomed with great enthusiasm and encouragement from the programme director (Professor Christine Roffe), and the module lead (Mrs Eunice Foster). They suggested great ideas about moving the project forward and about funding. Thanks to both of them
The module itself was the right thing needed for this project. Through it, we learned how to choose the right hospital in the Sudan (Options appraisal) and how to lay the grounds for continuity and long term success of the project (Sustainability), amongst loads of other useful things. The subsequent modules in the programme were also useful and supportive for the project.
Dr Indira Natarajan is a lecturer in the module and he is the head of the neurosciences and the stroke service lead at the Royal Stoke Hospital, Stoke-on-Trent. He and his team are supporting joint working between the two organisations. They are going to provide the training for the team in the Sudan. We are looking for a long term working relationship to establish the first ever stroke unit in the Sudan and making it a success. Thanks to Dr Natarajan and his team.

Dr Mohammed Gadour