Stroke service has benefited hundreds since move to Worcester - The Worcester Observer

Stroke service has benefited hundreds since move to Worcester

Worcester Editorial 31st Jul, 2014 Updated: 19th Oct, 2016   0

MORE than 1,500 patients showing the warning signs of a stroke have been helped since the treatment service moved to Worcester a year ago.

Since stroke services were centralised into a dedicated unit at Worcestershire Royal Hospital last July it has exceeded its performance targets for all but one month.

The move was designed to improve the care and treatment received by patients experiencing stroke symptoms and hospital bosses say they have been given excellent feedback from users.

One such patient was 71-year-old Jon Daniels who was admitted onto the acute stroke unit earlier this month.




The previous weekend Jon had lost the use of his arms, his speech slurred and his face had dropped on one side. His GP sent him straight to the stroke unit at Worcestershire Royal Hospital where he was treated for ten days.

“I was in shock when my doctor told me I’d had a stroke,” Jon said.


“I thought I was just having a funny turn. I slept on it and only went to the GP when my condition didn’t improve. I hadn’t recognised the signs.

“I can’t fault any of the staff who have cared for me. They are all so caring and friendly, they have been absolutely wonderful. It’s such a great service they provide here, you hear a lot of bad things about the NHS but my experience has been really positive.”

In the last year 84 per cent of patients showing the warning signs for a stroke were directly admitted to the stroke unit, against a target of 70 per cent.

Eight-six per cent of stroke patients spent 90 per cent of their time on the dedicated stroke unit, against the target of 80 per cent and 71 per cent of mini-stroke patients were investigated and treated within 24 hours, against the target of 60 per cent.

The team responsible for the centralisation’s success was recently shortlisted for a national Health Service Journal (HSJ) Value in Healthcare Award.

The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on 23 September at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.

Jane Schofield, deputy chief operating officer, added: “Everyone has put so much effort into improving the care we provide for stroke patients in Worcestershire.

“It is great to see the hard work really making a difference for our patients.”

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