§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what plans he has to ensure that all those who suffer a stroke are admitted to a specialist stroke unit; [3922]
(2) what measures he plans to increase the number of specialist stroke units in hospitals; [3921]
(3) if he will take steps to improve the quality of stroke aftercare. [3923]
§ Mr. HuttonThe Department published the National Service Framework for Older People (NSF) on 27 March 2001. Its sets out a comprehensive strategy to ensure fair, high quality integrated health and social care and reduce variations in services for older people.
The NSF addresses a number of specific conditions, which are significant for, although not limited to, older people. It includes a standard on stroke and service models, which should apply to all who need them regardless of age.
The stroke standard provides for stroke prevention, immediate care, early and continuing rehabilitation, and long-term support as components of a service model for integrated specialist stroke services which will build on current arrangements and be in place in all general hospitals which care for people with stroke by April 2004.