HC Deb 26 June 2001 vol 370 c68W
21. Mr. Pike

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he proposes to make treatment of strokes an additional priority for the NHS. [502]

Mr. Hutton

The National Service Framework for Older People, published in March, confirmed the high priority given to the reduction of stroke in the population and effective treatment and rehabilitation of those who have had a stroke. Based on evidence of effectiveness and cost-effectiveness it describes a service model for integrated stroke services and sets milestones for every general hospital which cares for older people with stroke to have made plans by April 2002 to introduce a specialist stroke service from 2004.

34. Mr. Barnes

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on stroke services.[515]

Jacqui Smith

Stroke has a major impact on people's lives and affects thousands of people every year. It is essential that we provide better services for those people who have had a stroke, that is why there are key proposals within the National Service Framework (NSF) for Older People published on 27 March 2001.

It spells out what good clinical care is; how to prevent stroke and what forms relevant treatment, care and rehabilitation for those who have had a stroke.