OUH Stroke Unit scores high marks in national audit

Despite higher numbers of stroke patients, the Hyper Acute Stroke Unit team at Oxford University Hospitals (OUH) have scored high marks in the Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme (SSNAP).

The audit programme measures the processes of care provided to stroke patients, as well as the structure of stroke services, against evidence-based standards. The overall aim of SSNAP is to provide timely information to clinicians, commissioners, patients, and the public on how well stroke care is being delivered, so it can be used as a tool to improve the quality of care that is provided to patients.

The last results showed our stoke unit admitting 78 per cent of patients within four hours of arrival, compared to the national average of 47 per cent. They were also able to scan 84 per cent of patients within an hour of admission, against the national average of 54 per cent.

Even with the current pressures the team faces with higher numbers of patients, they were still able to work with colleagues across the Trust to extend the life changing mechanical Thrombectomy service. This service is now available seven days per week from 8am to midnight for patients across the region.

Lynne Maddocks, Stroke Service Manager, said: "We are very proud to receive top scores in the national audit especially in these unprecedented times. This reflects the team's hard work, and we appreciate everyone who’s made this happen."

Professor Meghana Pandit, Chief Medical Officer, said: "I would like to congratulate our Hyper Acute Stroke Team for this achievement. It is great to see their excellent work being recognised."