According to a report ‘Sentinel Stroke Audit’, released by the Royal College of Physicians, the stroke services in Wales possess grave inadequacies, with only two acute stroke units in Wales and no round the clock clot-busting thrombolytic service.

In total, there are 75 acute stroke units in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, but Wales has only two such centers. Also, in those two, there is no adequate staff to provide services. Only 2.9 skilled nurses serve to 10 stroke patients in Wales, as compared to 3.2 in other regions. The specialist staff for the stroke services comprises 7% only in the region, which is 23% in other centres.

The results showcases that the situation is intense for the stroke sufferers in Wales, as they are not receiving urgent specialist treatment, as expressed by the Stroke Association. Ana Palazon, from the association, stated that the there is a requirement to upgrade the services and that too at a faster rate.

Also, the association consented to the fact that under a 40-point action plan initiated by Health Minister Edwina Hart, the stroke services have been put on the priority list.

“Improving stroke services is a priority for the Welsh Assembly Government and care for stroke patients is getting better, although we accept there is need for more to do”, as stated by an Assembly Government spokesperson.

Also, round-the-clock stroke services in Wales will begin in January 2011.