Dramatic drop in Yorkshire strokes death toll

The death toll from strokes was cut by a third to 1,640 in 2009-10 compared with the previous 12 months.

The remarkable fall, saving 750 lives, follows millions of pounds of investment including better access to specialist stroke wards, early provision of clot-busting drugs and enhanced checks on people suffering early-warning "mini-strokes".

NHS chiefs say improvements have come across the board and further advances are expected after much improved stroke care was identified as a key priority two years ago.

Regional medical director Chris Welsh said: "This is fantastic news – we are delighted that this co-ordinated response has had such dramatic effect so early.

"Every area of Yorkshire and the Humber region now has a stroke service which meets our doctors' high standards, including patients receiving the best care, quickly and safely. Patients are also spending more time on a dedicated stroke ward.

"People who suffer a mini-strokes often go on to suffer a full stroke in the future, so making sure we manage mini-stroke effectively is the key.

"The work does not stop here however, we are not resting on our laurels and we plan to drive down the number of people dying of stroke as well as the number of people suffering stroke in the first place even further."

Latest figures show two thirds of patients spent 90 per cent of their time on dedicated stroke units between April and June compared with 53 per cent in the same period 12 months before although significant variations remain – patients in Calderdale are twice as likely to get the gold standard care as those in Hull.

Managers say 80 per cent of patients in Yorkshire will spend 90 per cent of their hospital stays on stroke wards in coming months. Already this has been achieved in Calderdale, Doncaster, Kirklees, North Lincolnshire, Rotherham and Wakefield.

The head of operations for the Stroke Association in Yorkshire, Julia MacLeod, said: "We're delighted that stroke care has improved so much in our region and that many more people are being treated on dedicated stroke wards. With a resulting increase in the number of stroke survivors, the focus also needs to be on long-term support and helping stroke survivors and families improve their quality of life, months and even years after their stroke.

"In light of potential funding cuts, we hope that all stroke service commissioners continue to recognise the need for ongoing care and support, especially considering that stroke is the leading cause of severe disability."

Grandfather Des Jewison, 69, of Scarborough, suffered a stroke earlier this year. He is already a carer for his wife Pat, 64, who was left paralysed down one side by a stroke 15 years ago.

She recognised his symptoms after he developed co-ordination and speech problems and he was quickly taken to hospital and given clot-busting drugs.

He returned home after two weeks and has suffered no long-term effects although he takes four different types of medication.

He said: "The main thing was that I got to hospital quickly enough to get the drugs which worked wonders for me. I'm very fortunate the team of specialists at Scarborough are there."

KEYS TO CARE REVOLUTION

Key improvements to stroke care have included:

Direct access to stroke units across the region – people now go straight to a stroke ward after arrival at hospital where they receive immediate expert care.

Increased numbers of clinics for people suffering mini-strokes – the early warning sign for a full stroke – across Yorkshire.

A national campaign to improve public awareness of strokes. This means people can better identify symptoms of the condition which should be treated as an emergency similar to a heart attack.

Stroke networks of top clinicians working across the region to help stroke units implement improved standards of care.