Patient Disposal

Stroke patients who receive organised inpatient care in a stroke unit are more likely to be alive, independent, and living at home one year after the stroke [39]. The benefits are most apparent in units based in a discrete ward.

Service reconfiguration in the UK means that patients may be treated first at a regional stroke centre/hyperacute stroke unit, then transferred back to their local hospital after 72 hours for further rehabilitation [21].

In 2015/16, 59% of stroke patients in England, Wales and Northern Ireland were admitted to a stroke unit within the 4 hour target [22]. 84% of all patients spent a least a portion of their inpatient stay in a stroke unit.

Close co-operation between the ambulance service, ED, stroke team and stroke unit should ensure patients receive optimum treatment.