Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this question. Understandably, in health, we always talk about what is going wrong but the national clinical stroke programme is an example of something that has gone well and is now used as an example in other countries as to what can be done.

I am checking up on those seven pieces of equipment. I am not sure the Deputy's assertion is true. They could be spares, but I will check up on that because someone else has asked me about them.

The programme, as Deputy Naughten mentioned, started early in 2010. The mission of the programme is to deliver better care through better use of resources. The vision is to provide an integrated model of clinical care in acute and community services.

Since its implementation in 2011, the national stroke programme has resulted in improved services for stroke patients. The 24-7 access to safe stroke thrombolysis, that is, where one busts the clot that is causing the blockage of blood to the brain in a stroke, is progressing, with emergency thrombolysis provided now to patients in all regions of the country. This has involved improved hospital and ambulance protocols, health professional training and the appointment of new physicians. The national stroke thrombolysis rate has increased from 1% in 2006 to 11%, exceeding the national target of 9% and is comparable to the highest rates internationally.

Since the national clinical programme for stroke commenced, nine new stroke units have been opened, bringing the total number of stroke units in acute hospitals to 24. The programme has provided funding to support staff for the implementation of stroke unit care, with 54 new nursing and therapy posts being filled. There are 20 additional clinical nurse specialists in stroke working in acute hospital services. Good clinical outcomes are being provided through initiatives such as early supported discharge for stroke patients. Early supported discharge involves intensive specialised stroke rehabilitation provided in the patient's home for up to eight weeks. This reduces the length of hospital stay, reduces long-term dependency, reduces the risk of further disability after six months and reduces the number of patients requiring long-term care. Early supported discharge services are funded in a number of locations. The feasibility of implementing this model in geographically dispersed populations is limited but the national stroke programme continues to provide funding for these sites.

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