This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Stroke unit at Ninewells Hospital
17/01/2005
Ninewells Hospital's first dedicated Stroke Unit, serving Dundee and Angus local authority areas and parts of Perthshire, was officially opened today.
It is funded as part of the Executive's £40 million national strategy to improve specialised stroke and heart services.
Health Minister Mr Kerr said:
"Stroke is one of Scotland's biggest killers. It can also have a devastating impact on those who recover from the condition and their families.
"Survival rates are improving, but there is still much more than can be done.
"Evidence shows that people who suffer strokes have a better chance of survival and rehabilitation if they are treated by a team with specialised training in all areas of stroke care.
"This new unit at Ninewells will ensure its patients get faster treatment and a more comprehensive rehabilitation service, giving those who recover a better chance to regain their independence.
"Patients, staff and the local stroke club were all involved in the planning process for this project, which is one of many that has benefited from the Executive's £40 million CHD/Stroke strategy.
"However, despite all the progress being made, there is still much more that we can do. Poor diet, lack of physical activity, drinking to excess and smoking are all associated with Stroke, and we all have a responsibility to look after our own health."
The Ninewells unit has been treating patients since August 16, 2004. It has 18 'acute' beds and six for patients being rehabilitated.
After the first three months of operation 123 patients have been treated.
An important feature of the Unit has been the establishment of a Stroke Acute Response Team (START) to provide a single point of contact for advice on all aspects of stroke care for primary and secondary care.
The team offers a graded response from advice, making an urgent outpatient appointment for investigation, or admitting someone with a serious stroke as an inpatient.
The latest statistics on Stroke showing that rates for both mortality and diagnosis were continuing to fall:
- Cerebrovascular Disease (CVD, i.e. stroke) mortality rates decreased by 4 per cent between 2002 and 2003 (from 82.2 to 79.2 per 100,000)
- Under 75 death rate from CVD fell by 4.4 per cent (from 26.0 to 24.9 per 100,000)
- Rate of men diagnosed with Cerebrovascular Disease decreased by 6 per cent between 2002 and 2003 (from 215.6 to 201.9 per 100,000)
- Rate of women diagnosed with Cerebrovascular Disease decreased by 7 per cent between 2002 and 2003 (from 175.7to 163.2 per 100,000)