Written question WQ87921
- Asked by
- Russell GeorgeConservative
- To be answered by
- Minister for Health and Social Services
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 14 days
Question
What plans does the Welsh Government have, or is the Welsh Government aware of, for the reorganisation of acute stroke units at hospitals in Wales?
Answer
Answered by Minister for Health and Social Services
The Stroke Implementation Group (SIG) jointly commissioned the Royal College of Physicians and The National Institute for Health Research Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care, Southwest Peninsula, to provide an analysis of the options for the reconfiguration of hyper-acute stroke services, now referred to as Comprehensive Regional Stroke Centres (CRSCs), in Wales.
When SIG considered the report, which recommended three CRSCs, and factored in additional issues of travel times for patients, sustainability, access to specialist diagnostics, workforce requirements and cost effectiveness, SIG recommended that four CRSCs be established in Wales.
It is therefore recognised that our current model for the management of stroke must change to realise the improvement in stroke outcomes we want to see for people in Wales.
A new National Stroke Programme Board has been set up, supported by a core National Stroke Programme Team, to oversee a consistent approach to the establishment of CRSCs and regional stroke networks. This is the mechanism that will oversee and drive delivery of a sustainable stroke service model for Wales, ensuring we meet national stroke standards and improve stroke outcomes for patients.
The CRSC model is based on strong clinical evidence that this model provides better outcomes for patients, delivering critical hyperacute treatment in the first 72 hours following a stroke. Following this essential phase of treatment patients will return to their local stroke units and community services for ongoing care and rehabilitation to support their ongoing recovery.
2023/24 is centred around engagement and co-production to further inform the model of stroke care in Wales. The National Stroke Programme team has already engaged with Community Health Councils and is currently engaging with clinical teams across Wales through national and regional events. This will be followed by engagement with those with lived experience of stroke and wider stakeholders to inform the development of this model for Wales. Subsequently a business case will be developed in support of the optimal model for the delivery of stroke services.
Welsh Government and the Stroke Association are strongly supportive of this model and fully endorsing the engagement activities.