West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds awarded by Kings College London for stroke care
West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds has been given its ninth successive top grade A assessment for stroke care.
Researchers at King’s College London found the leading standard was being met across its 41 key indications, including: how fast patients are seen, scanning, and delivery of thrombolysis.
Leaders at the Hardwick Lane infirmary are celebrating the achievement, which comes as an extra special achievement having been secured during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Dr Abul Azim, lead consultant for stroke medicine, said: “It is particularly pleasing we maintained such high level care during the first wave of the pandemic despite the significant challenges faced by the NHS.
“Delivering such high standards of care is only possible because of the hard work and commitment of all the various members of the stroke specialist multidisciplinary team.
“I am extremely proud of the early assessment of treatment by our specialist stroke team who assess patients as soon as the patient arrives at the trust and the excellent care that is provided during the rest of our patients’ journeys.”
Dr Azim added: “During the pandemic, the stroke team managed to maintain and continue with all aspects of its stroke care, including emergency assessment and treatment, inpatient care and the outpatient services.
“We also worked innovatively to ensure patient safety, not only using telephone consultations, but also using technology like video conferencing for consultations and assessments which were much appreciated by our patients.”
