Stroke unit helps save sufferers

About 150,000 people in the UK have a stroke every year

More than 300 patients in Nottingham have benefited since the launch of a service for stroke sufferers last year.

The same day referral from a GP to an emergency stroke unit at Nottingham City Hospital gives patients immediate specialist care.

This fast track service was started by Nottingham University Hospitals.

Speaking ahead of Stroke Awareness Day on Wednesday, sufferer Ossie Newell, chairman of support group @astroke, said he was thankful for his recovery.

The Nottingham Stroke Services Partnership Group, called @astroke, is a voluntary group that helps support stroke patients.

'Improve service'

Mr Newell said: "It is very gratifying to know that such major steps are being taken... to prevent the onset of a full blown stroke..."

According to The Stroke Association, about 150,000 people in the UK have a stroke, caused by a blood clot in the brain, every year.

Most sufferers are over 65, but even children and babies can be affected.

Dawn Good, head of service for stroke at Nottingham University Hospitals, said: "We are always looking at how we can improve the service for our patients and find better ways of working."