MORE than 1,500 patients showing the warning signs of a stroke have benefitted from a centralised service at Worcestershire Royal Hospital in the past year.

Stroke services across the county were centralised at a dedicated unit at the Royal in July last year in an effort to improve care for those affected by strokes.

In the past year 84 per cent of patients showing the warning signs of a stroke were directly admitted to a specialist unit, above the target of 70 per cent.

Deputy chief operating officer of Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust – which runs the Royal as well as Kidderminster Hospital and Redditch’s Alexandra Hospital – Jane Scofield said: “Everyone has put so much effort into improving the care we provide for stroke patients in Worcestershire.

“It is great to see the hard work really making a difference for our patients.”

The team leading the centralisation was recently shortlisted for a national Health Service Journal Value in Healthcare Award, which will be announced at an awards ceremony in London on Tuesday, September 23.

It is important to act fast when someone suffers a stroke to minimise the damage. Signs include drooping face or arms and slurring or slow speech.

Always call 999 if someone exhibits any of these symptoms.