The answer given was that they had become a hyperacute stroke unit. The key issue with strokes was time. They now have 24/7 access to imaging which was vital to do before thrombolytic agents were used as they had to know whether it was a clot or bleeding. There was the TIARA service for Transient Ischemic Attacks and they were following the NICE guidelines. Care was given within 24 hours.
John Parr said they had waited for 30 hours and asked what happened regarding follow up and accountability? The person from the NHS said an audit was made for each patient regarding time and processes which was reported back to the National Stroke Association. There were constant ongoing evaluations, monthly meetings and re-evaluations. She hoped there were no further outliers. Cllr Ellis said there was a complaints procedure.
She said they need to act on feedback and there were examples of patient journeys. John Parr said once they got to hospital it was pretty good, but there were failings, he asked if the audit was available for patients to read? she said she was not sure. He also asked how soon it would be for separate rooms for geriatric patients? She said it was a constant problem that they were working on and moving forward om. They were committed to privacy and dignity and were working hard. There were no mixed sex wards as there were separate facilities however this was a long-term project. John asked how long, she said she didn’t know.
Cllr Ellis asked about the public consultation process and how it operated. She said they had gone to voluntary groups, staff governors, Wirral Council and had been invited to as many groups as possible such as Area Forums but given the large population it was difficult.
