Stroke Association response to DHSC's '£250 MILLION TO BOOST NHS CAPACITY WITH 900 NEW BEDS THIS WINTER' press release

Charlotte Nicholls, Head of Policy at the Stroke Association said:

“We welcome news that hospitals will be provided with additional funding to increase bed capacity as part of the Urgent and Emergency Recovery Care plan, published at the start of the year.

“Stroke is a medical emergency and patients must receive fast treatment and care to give them the best chance of survival and recovery. This investment comes at a critical time for the NHS with too many stroke patients’ lives and recoveries being put at risk due to handover delays, a breakdown of patient flow and a lack of capacity, meaning hospitals struggle to admit new patients.

“This is a positive step, especially as we approach winter, but implementing the NHS workforce plan to address system-wide pressures is also crucial to making this work. It’s essential these beds are fully staffed and that patients receive the high-quality care they need whilst in hospital and that they are safely discharged into the community/home, where they receive ongoing care to support their recovery.

“It’s important that government and NHS leaders urgently address staffing issues in NHS and social care services which are key to relieving pressure across the system.”