15/09/2025
Every 22 minutes in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, a stroke patient makes their own way to hospital.
Why is this a problem?
1️⃣ Stroke treatment is time sensitive and has to be delivered within a short window of opportunity. Any delay to treatment can result in fewer options, increasing the risk of long-term disability and death.
2️⃣ Paramedics know which hospitals offer specialised stroke care, and can fast-track brain scans on the move.
3️⃣ Patients arriving by ambulance can be admitted straight to an acute stroke unit, which has been shown to save lives and improve recovery outcomes.
4️⃣ If you arrive at the wrong hospital, you may need to be transferred. This is lost time.
'Getting to the right place for rapid and effective treatment can make the difference between a stroke patient walking out of hospital or leaving in a wheelchair,' said Professor of Stroke Medicine, Deb Lowe.
We understand that some stroke patients may have self-presented at hospital with some success, but stroke is a medical emergency. If you think you or someone else are showing the signs of a stroke, think FAST and call 999 straight away. Ambulance paramedics are trained in stroke and will take you to the best hospital for specialist treatment.
