Queen Elizabeth Hospital at King’s Lynn is seventh best in the country for its treatment of stroke patients

The result places the Trust seventh best in the country out of 183 acute hospital trusts.

The QEH has a dedicated stroke unit.

Dr. Raj Shekhar, lead stroke consultant, said: “If patients are being seen earlier it means we are finding symptoms sooner and able to refer them for the best treatment immediately which is important because some treatments are only effective if given within a short period of time after a stroke strikes.

“The severity of a stroke could mean a patient stays in hospital. By providing the most efficient care also means the patient has the best chance of recovery and a shortened stay in hospital.

“In turn this frees up beds and lessens the strain on the rest of the hospital.

“The Trust is very grateful to the Friends of the Stroke Unit at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn who have supported us over the years and funded specialist equipment and the renovation of a day room on the ward for patients, their family and friends to enjoy.

“Such donations are a great help to the Trust’s dedicated rehabilitation team which offers stroke patients occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech and language therapy.”

The audit measures where a hospital has met national targets set for the time between a patient suffering a stroke to being diagnosed and admitted to a dedicated stroke unit for treatment, currently set at four hours.

When a patient suffers a stroke the sooner their treatment is received lessens the risk of long-lasting or even permanent damaged.

Catherine Morgan, director of nursing, said: “It is credit to everyone’s commitment and work as a team that patients receive the best treatment so quickly. But also after a stroke, from therapists to social care staff working together that we reduce the risk of re-admission for stroke related problems too.

“With the right support patients recover and maintain their independence and quality of life.”