East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust provides a comprehensive range of stroke services for prevention, hyper-acute treatment, rehabilitation and follow-up after discharge.
We offer a 24 hour a day thrombolysis service, in which any patient admitted with a suspected stroke will be assessed rapidly for their suitability for this treatment.
We hold a rapid access clinic seven days a week for local residents who have suffered TIA (aka mini-stroke) or minor stroke. Same day MRI and CEMRA (Contrast Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Angiography) is offered as the investigation of choice for those patients suitable who are assessed in the TIA clinics.
We have internal links to provide specialist treatment – this included the vascular team in Canterbury, and neurosurgery and mechanical thrombectomy in London.
The service admits approximately 1200 people with an acute stroke each year from the East Kent area.
Quality
The stroke service strives to provide an exceptional standard of care. We are registered under the sentinel stroke national audit program (SSNAP); and take part in national and local research. We work closely with our regional colleagues, as part of the Kent and Medway Integrated Stroke Delivery Network, to share good practice and to shape the future of our services in line with national recommendations.
We have close links to our local university in providing specialist training and education.