A NEW stroke unit has been awarded a major prize for service innovation at a local level.
The Acute Stroke Unit at University Hospital Crosshouse, which opened last November, has won the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh’s William Cullen Prize.
In Ayrshire more than 1000 people experience a stroke or mini stroke every year and in the past patients were often taken to Glasgow for thrombolysis treatment. Now, patients presenting with a suspected stroke can receive the first 48 to 72 hours of their care, including for thrombolysis, at University Hospital Crosshouse.
Professor Andrew Collier, college membership secretary and regional advisor, said: “The Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh has Members and Fellows all over the world, but this prize particularly recognises excellence in service innovation at a local level.”
“This new unit means patients can be seen quickly and locally. Some patients can be discharged home the same day, with secondary prevention in place to reduce the risk of stroke.”
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