South West Acute Hospital RMGFH
WITH the future of the South West Acute Hospital’s Stroke Unit hanging in the balance, a new report reveals that it continues to meet the highest standards for patients ahead of other hospitals across the North.
Enniskillen’s top performing stroke unit is currently the subject of a proposed shake-up of services across the North’s five health trusts, a move that could result in ‘improved services’ and ‘fewer settings’ for acute stroke units across the North, currently spread across 11 hospital sites.
If the plans go ahead, specialist stroke units in the North could be based at just four hospitals. Fears remain rife that SWAH’s stroke facility could be closed and patients forced to travel to another hospital, most likely Altnagelvin.
However a newly published clinical audit into stroke care here reveals that SWAH continues to outshine other hospitals when it comes to its care of stroke patients. Backed by the Royal College of Physicians, its findings are based on stroke patients treated between at hospitals in the North between December 2016 – March 2017.
The Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme (SSNAP) report gives information about ten aspects of stroke care including brain scanning, clot busting treatment, specialist assessments, physiotherapy, speech and language therapy and discharge standards.
It reveals that in terms of performance, SWAH was rated best in the North in meeting the highest standards for almost all patients. In contrast, Altnagelvin was one of the three worst performing hospitals here when it comes to the treatment of stroke patients.
DUP Cllr Raymond Farrell says the results clearly prove that SWAH is way ahead in the essential care and treatment of stroke patients.
“This reputable audit must dispel any discussion on the future of our Stroke Unit in Enniskillen and the debate now must be on acquiring the necessary further investment to have a hyperacute stroke unit, focusing on the intensive interventions necessary for better outcomes. Based on these results, we must strive to have SWAH recognised as the Centre of Excellence that others can not only learn from. Instead of ambulances transporting ill patients away from Enniskillen, that traffic should be coming here. Any hospital which out performs what are deemed larger facilities here in the Western Trust need to be supported, complimented and invested in.”
Meanwhile stroke survivors, their carers and families along with health professionals are expected to voice their concerns at a major public conversation on reshaping stroke services locally. Over 13 weeks, the Health and Social Care Board is holding a series of meetings and workshops as part of their pre-consultation process on ‘Reshaping Stroke Services in Northern Ireland’ to listen to a wide range of views and to discuss and debate how best to enhance stroke care. A presentation and discussion about the HSCB’s stroke proposals will take place on Wednesday, 9th August at The Tara Centre, Omagh at 2.15pm.
Sinn Fein Cllr Debbie Coyle says it’s vital that stroke services remain in Enniskillen and is urging relevant parties to have their say: “This should not be about whether services stay in SWAH or go to Altnagelvin, because of the geographical spread and travel distances, we need the services in both hospitals. This event in Omagh is an opportunity for people who may be using stroke services, or those caring for people who have used stroke services, people who are working in affected services, and groups representing people who might be affected.”
However, there is criticism at the timing of the meeting during the holiday season. Enniskillen woman Patricia Donald, chairman of the South West Age Partnership said: “I’m very perturbed that this meeting on such a serious issue is taking place in the height of the holiday season when many people will be away.”
Posted: 7:19 pm July 21, 2017