The East of England Ambulance Service (EEAST) and Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) have teamed up to run a mobile stroke unit as part of a six week trial.
The project aims to save lives and reduce serious disability by making sure patients who suffer a stroke receive fast access to the right treatment.
Every minute counts
Every minute counts when someone develops the symptoms of stroke.
The mobile stroke unit is a modified ambulance with specially trained crews which can give the patient a CT scan in the vehicle before administering clot-busting thrombolysis treatment where appropriate.
The ambulance is staffed by a consultant and paramedic with a video link to a radiology consultant at the NNUH to ensure a speedy diagnosis and treatment. The initial trial will cover the Greater Norwich area and follows pilots in Southend and Ipswich.
Authority comment
Every minute counts when someone develops the symptoms of stroke
Dan Phillips, EEAST Area Clinical Lead, said: “The ambulance is great in reducing the time it takes to diagnose and treat a patient who is having a stroke and it could have a big benefit for people living in rural areas. It is bringing hospital-level care to the patient’s home.”
"It is hoped that the trial is the first step to having a permanent mobile specialist treatment unit in Norfolk and for other parts of the health system."
NNUH expresses delight
Dr Annie Chakrabarti, Consultant Stroke Physician at NNUH, added: “We are delighted to be involved in this exciting initiative."
"If we can intervene and administer clot-busting drugs within sixty minutes of the stroke happening, this could make a really significant difference to the outcome for these patients."
