‘Poor’ stroke care in north Wales

Posted: July 28, 2015

Posted in: Medical Negligence NHS Claims 

According to a patient watchdog, north Wales is a “poor place” to suffer a stroke. These comments follow a recent report highlighting substandard stroke care in the region’s three main hospitals. The report states that ambulances should be getting stroke patients to hospitals far quicker, there should be a quicker hand over to hospital staff, and the care provided within the first 72 hours should be improved.

North Wales Community Health Council has demanded that changes are made immediately after a study showed “bad” levels of acute stroke care provided at Wrexham Maelor Hospital, Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor and Glan Clwyd Hospital in Bodelwyddan, particularly within the first few hours. The concerns are to be addressed at a meeting between Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and the community health council this week.

“disturbingly long durations between 999 call and hospital handover”

The Community Health Council looked at the care in relation to The Royal College of Physicians’ Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme, seen as a reliable guide to care standards throughout the country. The CHC report stated: “When one adds in the disturbingly long durations between 999 call and hospital handover, North Wales is a poor place to have a stroke.”

The CHC has also raised concerns about the services available to patients suffering a Transient ischaemic attack, known as a “mini-stroke”, which lasts no longer than 24hrs. The watchdog has called for TIA clinics to be held 24/7. It has also called for increased funding for the rehabilitation of stroke patients.

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