Oxford’s John Radcliffe Hospital has been ranked in the top 10 per cent of hospitals in England for the quality of its care for stroke patients.
The hospital was ranked the highest of the south central region in the National Sentinel Audit carried out by the Royal College of Physicians, which assessed the quality and organisation of stroke care services at 159 NHS trusts in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The hospital was commended for its acute stroke services, level of specialist staff, team working, the way it sought patient and carer views and training and research. The results were a considerable improvement on the hospital’s position in 2008. The Horton General also improved its position from two years ago.
ORH lead clinician for stroke medicine, consultant physician Dr James Kennedy said: “I think we can see these improvements as recognition of the commitment on the part of all staff working in stroke care to ensure that all patients in Oxfordshire who suffer a stroke have access to quality care. These improvements have come as a result of enhanced coordination of care from acute hospitals through to the community, including with social care. This work will continue ensuring that stroke services in Oxfordshire keep on improving.”
NHS Oxfordshire launched a three-year stroke awareness campaign in February 2009, which it said had helped boost stroke prevention efforts.
