The National Sentinel Audit for Stroke, published on 23 April 2009 by the Royal College of Physicians, ranks the Trust in the top 25% of the country.
The audit has been running for over ten years. It measures a number of criteria in the diagnosis and care for patients with stroke and is funded by the Healthcare Quality Improvement Partnership.
The Royal Hampshire County Hospital stroke service was in the news recently when a local resident recognised the symptoms of stroke from a hard hitting national advertising campaign, and received prompt treatment, saving him from a further major, and possibly fatal, stroke.
Winchester and Eastleigh Healthcare NHS Trust which manages the RHCH on Romsey Road, has developed a new fast track service for people who have had mini strokes (transient ischaemic attacks).
This means that high risk patients who present to their GPs during the week early after suffering a TIA can undergo a comprehensive assessment with investigation and treatment within 24 hours of event. Lower risk patients are seen within seven days and all patients are then followed up in subsequent clinics as appropriate.
By working in collaboration with Salisbury and Basingstoke hospitals the Trust will be offering its high risk mini stroke service seven days a week 365 days a year later this year.
Dr John Duffy, Consultant in Medicine and Elderly Care said: “This report is a great result for us and confirms that we are in the forefront of stroke care here at the Winchester and Eastleigh Healthcare NHS Trust. We have consistently ranked in the top 10% in the country for the past two years. This is an extensive audit of stroke services including all aspects of patient care, and we are very proud of the recognition we have received. We offer the best care in Hampshire and have plans in place to further improve the service.”
Prospective Winchester MP Steve Brine added; “Stoke services are one of my personal interests and something I would like to champion if I become the MP next year. I know how much these services are needed locally and how proud staff and managers at the RHCH will be with this national recognition.”
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Steve Brine is supporting the 'Lost Without Words' campaign run by the Stroke Association. See more in our campaigns section.
Steve is pictured above dicussing services at the RHCH with Trust Chief Executive, Martin Wakeley. Steve has said the future of the local NHS is his priority for the local area.