Mr. Chris Macey:

The national target is to admit 90% of stroke patients to a stroke unit. We have attained a level of 70%. As I said, getting into a stroke unit is the difference between leaving on someone leaving on their own steam and in relatively good condition and death or permanent severe disability in 20% of cases. That figure adds up to 1,800 strokes every year. There are 6,000 stroke patients going into hospital every year so approximately 1,800 of them are not getting into a stroke unit. The hospital with one of the biggest catchment areas in the country, St. James’s Hospital, does not have a stroke unit and has not had one since the Covid-19 pandemic. The stroke unit in Naas General Hospital is not operating and there are many others under severe pressure, which may or may not meet minimum standards.