§ Rev. Martin SmythTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will list the existing stroke units in Northern Health Board general hospitals which treat clients(a) in the acute phase, (b) in the rehabilitation phase and (c) in both; and in each case, what age criteria apply to admissions to the units. [90997]
§ Mr. McFallStroke patients in the acute phase are admitted to the stroke unit at Braid Valley, the Medical Admission Unit at Antrim Hospital, or the Acute Medical Wards in Coleraine, Whiteabbey and Mid-Ulster Hospitals.
Patients in the rehabilitation phase receive care in the Stroke Unit at Braid Valley Hospital, or the assessment and Rehabilitation wards at Coleraine, Whiteabbey and Mid-Ulster Hospitals.
There is no age criterion in any of the units providing treatment for stroke patients.
§ Rev. Martin SmythTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland which general hospitals within the Northern Health Board have specialised stroke units; what plans there are to establish units where none presently exist; and what are the target dates for such plans. [91082]
§ Mr. McFallThere is one specialised stroke unit within the Northern Health and Social Services Board area, located at Braid Valley Hospital in Ballymena. Antrim Hospital has six designated stroke beds. There are no dedicated stroke units at Whiteabbey, Mid-Ulster or Coleraine Hospitals.
It is anticipated that a fully specialised stroke unit will be developed at the new Causeway Hospital when it opens in November 2000.
§ Rev. Martin SmythTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland which of the health boards have a written policy on the management and rehabilitation of strokes. [90998]
§ Mr. McFallAll four Health and Social Services Boards have written policies on stroke services.