Byrner
04-09-2008, 11:54 AM
The findings of major report into how stroke patients are treated in the Irish healthcare system have been described as shocking by Labour’s health spokeswoman Jan O’Sullivan.
The National Audit of Stroke Care , to be published today, found that only one hospital in the country has a dedicated stroke.
This is despite the fact that such units are the recommended standard to deliver optimal care for stroke patients and are known to reduce death and disability.
The report, carried out by researchers from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and Trinity College Dublin, said between 350 to 500 deaths a year could be prevented if organised stroke unit care was provided in the State.
Ms O’Sullivan said the study highlighted the glaring deficiencies that stroke victims and their families are forced to endure.
“It is also appalling that there are only 12 dedicated stroke beds nationally despite the fact that optimal stroke care requires protected beds in hospitals,” she said.
The report found only 1 per cent of patients who might benefit from thrombolysis clot busting therapy immediately after the onset of a stroke were being assessed for this therapy.
It also identified long waiting times for speech therapy and occupational therapy services and these varied between HSE regions.
She called on Minister for Health Mary Harney and Health Service Executive chief Professor Brendan Drumm to appoint a high-level working group, tasked with coming up with a plan of action.
“Such a group should be put together in the coming days and should report back in weeks,” she said.
News Source: http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/breaking/2008/0409/breaking38.htm
The National Audit of Stroke Care , to be published today, found that only one hospital in the country has a dedicated stroke.
This is despite the fact that such units are the recommended standard to deliver optimal care for stroke patients and are known to reduce death and disability.
The report, carried out by researchers from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and Trinity College Dublin, said between 350 to 500 deaths a year could be prevented if organised stroke unit care was provided in the State.
Ms O’Sullivan said the study highlighted the glaring deficiencies that stroke victims and their families are forced to endure.
“It is also appalling that there are only 12 dedicated stroke beds nationally despite the fact that optimal stroke care requires protected beds in hospitals,” she said.
The report found only 1 per cent of patients who might benefit from thrombolysis clot busting therapy immediately after the onset of a stroke were being assessed for this therapy.
It also identified long waiting times for speech therapy and occupational therapy services and these varied between HSE regions.
She called on Minister for Health Mary Harney and Health Service Executive chief Professor Brendan Drumm to appoint a high-level working group, tasked with coming up with a plan of action.
“Such a group should be put together in the coming days and should report back in weeks,” she said.
News Source: http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/breaking/2008/0409/breaking38.htm