Time is of the essence when treating stroke. Acute stroke policies are primarily designed to decrease the interval between the stroke’s onset and the beginning of treatment.
When someone has a stroke, it is crucial that they are taken to a specialist stroke unit as soon as possible. At this unit, they can then be scanned and given the appropriate treatment, which may include clot-busting thrombolysis or mechanical thrombectomy, a new game-changing stroke treatment.
Ambulance response to stroke
Stroke is a medical emergency. It's vital that anyone suspected of a stroke has an appropriate vehicle such as an ambulance to take them to a specialist stroke unit to get the treatment they need.
Ambulance response to stroke policy is also available in the Welsh language.
Reconfiguration
Reconfiguration, also known as reorganisation, aims to enhance stroke care by concentrating stroke services onto fewer sites, creating specialised treatment centres. Evidence shows that reconfigurations can save lives, improve recoveries and result in greater cost effectiveness for health services.
Thrombectomy
Thrombectomy is an exciting and effective way of treating strokes caused by a clot. It involves inserting a catheter into an artery to access a clot, usually within five hours of someone having their stroke, which is then mechanically removed.
Campaign with us
We are the force for change. By listening to and working with people affected by stroke, we can drive improvements in stroke prevention.