A BROMSGROVE patient is one of thousands that has benefited from a new centralised stroke service for the county.

In July 2013 stroke services were centralised at Worcestershire Royal Hospital, with the service exceeding its performance targets for all but one month since.

Stroke services were centralised, Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust say, in an attempt to to improve the care and treatment received by patients experiencing stroke symptoms.

The acute stroke unit, which offers specialised assessment, diagnosis and treatment to patients, has received excellent feedback from patients. 

The team responsible for the centralisation’s success was recently shortlisted for a national Health Service Journal (HSJ) value in healthcare award, with the winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on September 23 at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.

Jon Daniels from Bromsgrove, was admitted onto the acute stroke unit earlier this month.

The previous weekend Jon had lost the use of his arms, his speech slurred and his face had dropped on one side. His GP sent him straight to the stroke unit at Worcestershire Royal Hospital where he was treated for 10 days.

The 71-year-old said: “I was in shock when my doctor told me I’d had a stroke. I thought I was just having a funny turn.

"I slept on it and only went to the GP when my condition didn’t improve. I hadn’t recognised the signs.

“I can’t fault any of the staff who have cared for me. They are all so caring and friendly, they have been absolutely wonderful. It’s such a great service they provide here, you hear a lot of bad things about the NHS but my experience has been really positive.”

Jane Schofield, deputy chief operating officer, said: “Everyone has put so much effort into improving the care we provide for stroke patients in Worcestershire. It is great to see the hard work really making a difference for our patients.”