UK stroke care improving overall

Stroke care in the UK is improving overall, according to the findings of the Stroke Improvement National Audit Programme.

The study shows that 53 per cent of people admitted to hospital following a stroke are placed in a specialist unit within four hours of their arrival.

With evidence showing that those treated in a stroke unit have better outcomes, these findings are positive.

However, just over a third of patients are still being admitted to non-specialist units.

Concern has also been raised over continence, as only 57 per cent of people are being given a clear continence management plan within 27 hours of admission.

Joe Korner, director of communications at The Stroke Association, commented: "The guidelines and expectations are set out for stroke care in the Stroke Strategy for England but unfortunately some hospitals are falling short."

However, many hospitals across the country have been shown to be performing excellently when it comes to stroke.

The challenge is now to roll-out these high standards in other establishments to give patients the best chance of a positive stroke outcome.

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