Safe and Sustainable 24/7 Stroke Service for Scarborough

Scarborough Hospital has been recognised as providing a safe and sustainable 24/7 stroke service.

Following an accreditation visit in November, the Stroke Service at Scarborough Hospital has been granted a provisional accreditation as a level two centre - full stroke service except neurosurgery– as part of the Yorkshire and Humber Stroke Accreditation Process.

The reviewers were impressed by the substantial progress made in developing stroke services in Scarborough and recognised that a good level of service is now provided at the site.

Since July 2012, when the service was unable to be accredited, the Trust, working together with the CCG and other stakeholders, has undertaken significant work to develop the service and reach the required standards.

Improvements were made in a number of areas.

• Medical staffing has been increased to facilitate seven day ward rounds and additional nurses recruited to ensure 24/7 availability of band 6 nurses

• A telemedicine rota for thrombolysis decision making on a 24/7 basis, between York and Scarborough, has commenced. Thrombolysis decisions and outcomes are also being reviewed on a regular basis.

• Approval has been given to increase CT scanning to seven days a week and three Hyper-acute beds are staffed on the stroke unit.

• The pathway has been revised to ensure all patients have rapid access to the stroke unit and hyper-acute care regardless of thrombolysis status.

• Data collection and submission to the national audit (SSNAP) has commenced

Consultant Dr John Paterson said: “Being awarded provisional accreditation recognises the significant work, and investment, that has been undertaken to improve stroke services in Scarborough.  We will continue this work as we move towards full accreditation.”

A review of mortality data was also undertaken – no concerns were found.

The programme of development continues, and the service hopes to achieve full accreditation during 2014-15.

The Trust also intend to build the resilience and sustainability of the service by creating a recruitment and workforce plan that secures sufficient medical cover for both sites for the future.

31 January 2014