Bishop Auckland stroke unit praised
The positive work of the stroke unit at Bishop Auckland General Hospital has been praised by Helen as a good example of how the work of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) can help improve services for the public.
Helen highlighted a one day conference at the hospital which looked at a PAC inquiry into reducing brain damage by addressing stroke care.
Referring to the incidence of stroke in the local area, Helen said,
“That is a serious problem: it is the third biggest cause of death, and there are huge costs to the individual and the economy. Early action has a significant impact on outcomes. I was interested in the PAC report as this is a significant health problem in County Durham, because of the health overhang from the heavy industrial work many people there did in the past and because of lifestyle.
“In my local hospital—Bishop Auckland general hospital—there is an excellent centre led by the consultant, Mr. Mehrzad. Last December, the local patient and public involvement forum held a one-day conference on stroke facilities in the area and stroke care. It brought together patients and practitioners and it used the PAC report as a basis. We now know that the Department of Health is taking this matter seriously and that they will prepare a proper strategy that will be produced later this year.”
You can read Helen’s full speech here.
Filed under: Uncategorized on April 24th, 2007
