Stroke Services at Swansea Bay UHB

Carol Bott, Director of the Stroke Association in Wales said, “We believe that stroke patients should have access to the best possible treatment and care, in order for them to begin to rebuild their life after stroke.

“Evidence shows that reorganising stroke services and creating large Hyper Acute Stroke Units (HASUs) with the equipment and experts to treat patients 24 hours a day, seven days a week, can save lives, improve recoveries and save money. Patients are also more likely to receive the right treatment sooner at a HASU than if they were treated at a smaller stroke unit.

“However, during this process, smaller neighbouring stroke units may be closed or changed, which understandably can be worrying for patients and their loved ones. We are encouraging health boards in Wales to carry out accessible engagement with local people affected by stroke, to hear their opinions on any proposed changes. There also needs to be robust evaluation of the impact of any reconfiguration, before any plans are finalised.

“The Stroke Association is keen to work with health boards to create the best possible services for stroke patients in Wales.”

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For further information please contact Katie Chappelle, Head of Influencing and Communications katie.chappelle@stroke.org.uk 029 2052 4420 / 07703 318844