Stroke prevention surgery access ‘varies across UK’

A new report has highlighted wide variations in the level of access patients have to prompt stroke prevention surgery in different parts of the UK.

The Royal College of Physicians and the Vascular Society have conducted a study showing that while some patients undergo surgery within two days of experiencing stroke symptoms, in other areas this can take as long as two months.

At present, 40 per cent of NHS patients are operated on within the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence's recommended timeframe of two weeks, while adherence to the National Stroke Strategy target of 48 hours lags at two percent.

Medical professionals are now calling for further investigation of these discrepancies, as well as a closer examination of why some hospitals are failing to provide any data.

David Mitchell, Vascular Society audit chairman and consultant vascular surgeon, said: "Variation in the quality of care provision between trusts highlights the need for those who are underperforming to follow the best practice of others who are proving that these standards can be achieved."

Charity group The Stroke Association said it is disappointing that many people are not receiving prompt treatment, as this could help to save "thousands" of lives.