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24 November 2010

Big step forward in stroke treatment at Broomfield hospital

The number of stroke patients whose lives have been saved by a revolutionary new clot busting drug. have more than quadrupled in the first year that it has been running as a 24/7 service at Broomfield hospital.

The stroke thrombolysis service has been running on a 24 hours per day, seven days per week basis since June 2009 and during that time the number of patients receiving the service has risen from 15 to over 60.

Dr Umachandran, stroke physician, said:” Having a 24/7 stroke thrombolysis (administering a clot busting drug) service is a big step forward for stroke care.  Previously we were only able to thrombolyse between the hours of 9am and 5pm, so this is a major step forward.”

If a patient comes into the hospital with a suspected stroke the clot busting drug needs to be given, ideally within three hours of them suffering the stroke, although the guidelines now say this can be extended to four and a half hours.

Dr Umachandran adds: “The earlier that the clot busting drug is given, the better the chance the patient has of making a full recovery from the effects of the stroke.  That is why it is important for everyone to be aware of the symptoms of a stroke so they can get the patient to the hospital as early a possible and we can start the treatment.”

Currently, the stroke and elderly medicine consultants come into the hospital to see the patient’s X-rays and scans before they decide whether or not it is appropriate to administer the drug.  A new electronic  system called telemedicine is also being used which means the stroke physicians can make a decision on whether or not to thrombolyse the patient remotely.

In addition, the trust’s clinic for people who have suffered a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) or mini stroke is now running seven days a week

Dr Umachandran adds: ”Previously we were only running the TIA or mini stroke clinics  on a five day a week basis, so it is really good news that this has been extended to seven. This is a big step forward in stroke care.  There is strong evidence that investigating and treating high risk TIA patients with in 24 hours can reduce the development of stroke in those individuals by as much as 80 per cent.  Previously we were not able to offer many TIA clinics but by increasing the number of clinics we can treat the patient quicker, either medically or surgically, hence reducing permanent disability.”

The stroke unit which is currently located on ward B15 will shortly move back to B20 which has been completely refurbished to provide bigger and better facilities for stroke patients.

ENDS

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