Health Foundation report gives wake up call on stroke care

Stroke is the third biggest killer in the UK. In England alone there are more than 110,000 strokes each year. It is the leading cause of long-term severe disability in adults.

The report, 'Bridging the quality gap', for the first time brings together data on performance with evidence of what works and the cost implications of stroke. In response, The Health Foundation will soon launch a programme with hospitals in the North West of England. This aims to increase by an estimated 30% the number of people in the region who could survive a stroke and make sure that many more stroke survivors could walk out of hospital without a long-term disability by 2010. This would see stroke care in the North West reach an unprecedented level for any English region. The programme is being run in partnership with the Stroke Association and the Royal College of Physicians.

The report shows that the UK lags behind other major western countries in cerebrovascular disease mortality – a disease of the blood vessels supplying the brain often leading to a stroke. The UK saw a 16% fall in mortality between 1997–2004, whereas Germany saw a 33% reduction during the same period. It draws on data which shows that only 43% of people in England are receiving a brain imaging CT scan within 24 hours of a stroke. National guidelines say this should be happening to all patients who have had a stroke.

The report also highlights the benefits of effective preventative programmes and food regulation. As many as 69% of strokes in inner London could be prevented by reducing hypertension, treating abnormal heart rhythms, stopping smoking and prescribing statins. Bread and cereal manufacturers could also prevent 8,000 strokes a year in England by reducing their salt content.

Stephen Thornton, Chief Executive of The Health Foundation, said: “This report shows that stroke services are still not good enough in England. We are confident that the stroke strategy is beginning to make important changes but it is clear that more needs to be done quickly.  We are acting in the North West; the challenge is now for Government and the rest of the NHS to keep increasing the pace of change.”

Joe Korner, Director of External Affairs for The Stroke Association comments: “This report provides an important snapshot of the state of stroke care at the end of last year. Since then the Government has launched the National Stroke Strategy laying out a blueprint for improved stroke care.  As a result we are now seeing a new dynamism around the country to make up for lost time and to radically transform all aspects of stroke care. However, as this report clearly demonstrates, we have a long way to travel before stroke services in England reach the standard boasted by many parts of the developed world.”