HC Deb 16 December 2003 vol 415 cc895-6W
Mr. Jim Cunningham

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what the definition of a stroke unit is under the National Service Framework for Older People's target for every hospital to have a stroke unit by April 2004; [143929]

(2) what specialist (a) equipment and (b) staff are needed in a stroke ward to change its designation to a specialist stroke unit. 143930]

Dr. Ladyman

The formal definition of a stroke unit is still being developed. We would expect, however, that there would be a consultant physician with specialist knowledge of stroke formally recognised as having principal responsibility for stroke services. This consultant would be supported by a multidisciplinary team who are specialists in stroke care. The key elements of a good stroke service are:

  • vision, drive and leadership;
  • interagency and interdisciplinary strategic view;
  • the right workforce;
  • establishing care pathways;
  • the right contribution from primary care;
  • involving users and carers;
  • having the right long-term social and psychological support;
  • good use of information technology;
  • the right clinical governance; and
  • effective management of change.