Stroke hotline hailed a success

A stroke hotline set up in Scotland has proved to be a success, according to one report.

The hotline set up by NHS Lothian has helped to cut treatment time for stroke patients, according to the Scotsman.

Patients who have mini-strokes or stroke-like symptoms are now seen within three days on average, compared to the waiting time of almost a fortnight in 2007.

According to the newspaper, this reduces the chances of follow-up strokes, which can be fatal.

Professor of stroke medicine for NHS Lothian Martin Dennis said: "The live interaction involving the GP, consultant and patient allowed the patient's history to be clarified and if necessary the consultant could take the history directly from the patient to refine the diagnosis."

This comes after a report entitled Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke in the US found that those who eat more fried fish and less non-fried fish could be at a higher risk of stroke than the average individual.

Find the nearest Barchester nursing home.