Health leaders are calling for local people to share their views on proposed changes to stroke services with the public consultation closing on 3 September.
The proposals to change the way hospital stroke services are organised and delivered in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire have been open for public consultation since 7 June. They have been designed to ensure fewer stroke deaths every year and improve long-term health outcomes for survivors.
Dr Chris Burton, Clinical Lead for the programme, said:
“Stroke is a serious condition, and one of the UK’s biggest killers. Locally, 1500 people have a stroke each year and one in 50 of our population live with the long-term effects.
“We’ve been developing proposals for change that will ensure everyone in our area has the best possible opportunity to survive and thrive after stroke, and now need the public to tell us their views.
“We’ve had lots of valuable feedback during the consultation so far and are really pleased with the many individuals, groups and local organisations that have had their say.
“I encourage anyone with an interest in stroke to find out more about our proposals, join our final online listening event on 26 August and fill in our survey before the consultation closes on 3 September.”
Proposed changes to stroke services include:
- Improvements to emergency treatment, meaning everyone in the area would have their initial stroke treatment in a Hyper-Acute Stroke Unit at Southmead Hospital.
- Improvements to ongoing hospital treatment and care, with everyone receiving care at an Acute Stroke Unit. This could be through one unit at Southmead Hospital, or with two units – one at Southmead Hospital and a further unit at the Bristol Royal Infirmary.
- Improvements to in-patient rehabilitation services, allowing people who need further rehab support before going home to receive it in a specialist Stroke Sub-Acute Rehabilitation Unit. One unit is being proposed on the Weston General Hospital site and the location of a second unit, that serves Bristol and South Gloucestershire, is being consulted on.
An online consultation event is taking place on Thursday 26 August from 12pm to give local people an opportunity learn more about the proposals, ask questions of clinicians and provide feedback.
To sign up to the event, find out more about the proposals or have your say, visit our stroke consultation web pages or call 0117 900 3432.
The consultation on Improving Stroke Services in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire will close at 12pm on 3 September.