Stroke Association statement on latest quarterly Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme (SSNAP)

The SSNAP report published today relates to treatment for patients admitted between January and March 2015 and includes results for the entire inpatient care pathway. The results are available online at the SSNAP Results Portal

Jon Barrick, Chief Executive of the Stroke Association, said: 

“SSNAP is the most comprehensive source of information about stroke services in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Whilst it is encouraging to see considerable improvements in stroke care, the variation in the number and type of services available to stroke survivors and their families remains at an unacceptable level. This urgently needs to be addressed.

“People are more likely to make a better recovery and spend less time in hospital if they have access to rehabilitation and recovery services. The provision of integrated, standard led access to rehabilitation services is essential if stroke survivors are to conquer this devastating condition. Regular review with access to long-term support, as well as first-class care both in hospital and back in the community can all help people make their best possible recovery from stroke.

“With new therapies for stroke on the horizon, the highest possible standards of stroke care and integrated services will help ensure the best outcome for patients who receive emergency treatment. And with more people surviving stroke than ever before, we need to have these vital resources and services in place to meet our population’s growing need.”