General   (General discussion, talk about anything.)

Peter.

A few years ago NHS London set up a task force to improve the outcomes for stroke victims. There was a lot of concern that too many stroke patients were dying or left with severe disabilities.
One of the driving forces for this study was an analysis of patient representatives complaints that indicated the biggest problem was the time between the stroke occurring and appropriate treatment starting. A secondary factor was the low level of aftercare.
There was a lot of opposition to the plan because it was based on a specialist stroke unit covering a much wider catchment area than is the case with general hospitals.
However, the outcomes were improving considerably and as a result it became NHS policy to set up similar schemes outside of London.
Salford Royal now has what is known as a Hyper Acute Stroke Unit. Stroke victims from across the region are now sent there and receive immediate treatment from specialist doctors and nurses on a 24/7 basis. A follow up rehabilitation ward continues a treatment plan before discharge.
There’s no doubt that if nobody had ever complained about their loved ones care after a stroke this strategic change would have taken much longer to see the light of day.