Royal Surrey Maintains its Position as the Best Stroke Services Provider in Surrey

The latest data released on stroke services shows that the Royal Surrey is the top provider of stroke services in the county and in the top 25% of hospitals in the country.

There are nine indicators used in the Sentinel Stroke Audit 2008/2009 to assess the quality of services.   The Royal Surrey scored 100% in two out of the nine indicators; for the percentage of patients having a brain scan within 24 hours of their stroke and the percentage of patients receiving specialist stroke drugs within 48 hours of their stroke. 

Dr Adrian Blight, lead consultant for stroke medicine, said:

"We are pleased that the Royal Surrey is in the top quarter of Trusts in England for its stroke services.  One of the things the audit showed was how much of an impact thrombolysis treatment for stroke has made locally.  This is a drug administered to help restore blood flow to brain arteries that have suddenly blocked. Of those units which do provide thrombolysis the Royal Surrey has high administration rates.    Our stroke specialists are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide thrombolysis, giving local patients a better chance of recovering from their stroke.

"There are still improvements to make and we are working hard to ensure that as many patients as possible receive all their treatment in our dedicated stroke unit.  Since the audit took place we have created an action plan under which we have developed the specialist stroke team with the appointment of a new consultant."

The Royal Surrey also scored over 90% in three indicators; occupational therapy assessment within four days of admission, patients' mood assessed by discharge and rehabilitation goals agreed with the multi-disciplinary team.  These three indicators are all key in the recovery process for stroke patients and vital to help them regain their normal lifestyle after their stroke. 

Dr Blight continues:

"The stroke audit occurs every two years and the Royal Surrey has continued to improve its performance.  We are pleased with our results but we will continue to move forward to ensure we are providing the best care possible for our stroke patients."