Correction statement: Royal College of Physician's Sentinel Audit, 3 August 2006

On 3 August 2006 The Stroke Association released a statement reacting to the publication of the Royal College of Physician’s Sentinel stroke audit. In the statement we said that thrombolysis (clot busting treatment) for strokes is potentially life saving. In fact research evidence shows that thrombolysis can result in a much better and quicker recovery from stroke, but does not indicate an overall reduction in mortality.

Recent research published in The Lancet recommends that thrombolysis should be “considered as part of the routine care of suitable stroke patients.” The Stroke association wholly endorses this view. But the Sentinel Audit for Stroke (2006) revealed that just 0.2 per cent of patients received thrombolytic treatment in England and Wales.

The Stroke Association believes that every suspected stroke patient should have access to brain scanning and diagnosis within three hours so that the estimated one in ten who could benefit from thrombolysis can receive it. We are campaigning to make sure that the Department of Health’s stroke strategy brings forwards recommendations to achieve this.

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