Stroke champions needed to combat lagging services in Wales compared to rest of UK

A unified strategy with stroke champions is needed to combat lagging stroke services in Wales, according to a report from the National Assembly’s Health, Wellbeing and Local Government Committee, published today (April 19).

The report makes a number of recommendations to the Welsh Government, including creating more dedicated stroke units in hospitals and ending the postcode lottery that surrounds access to specialist services.

The committee was also concerned at current ambulance response categories, the lack of a register of stroke patients in Wales , and the inadequate levels of training for healthcare professionals engaged in stroke services.

It recommends the clearer allocation of funding for these services and more public awareness-raising to get key messages across - such as that strokes can be preventable.



Committee Chair Darren Millar AM said: “The committee agreed to conduct an inquiry into stroke services in Wales following a series of negative reports from the Royal College of Physicians in 2004 and 2006.

“Unfortunately, our inquiry has shown that some of the original concerns outlined by these external audits have yet to be addressed, although some improvements have been made.

“Strokes are the third most common cause of death, and given that evidence shows specific service improvements can decrease patient mortality and disability, it is vital that our recommendations are acted upon to improve services for those affected by strokes.

“The committee urges the Welsh Government to consider establishing an all-Wales stroke strategy led by stroke champions or team leaders who can tackle these issues and bring Welsh services up to the same level as the rest of the UK .”