NHS Somerset is running a a 12-week public consultation to gather feedback about the future of acute hospital based stroke services in Somerset.

Dr Bernie Marden, Chief Medical Officer, NHS Somerset, said: “We want every stroke patient in Somerset to have the best and most appropriate care possible. After a stroke, if the right specialist treatment, care, and support is received people can go on to live full and independent lives."

“We know that our acute hospital-based stroke services are not currently set up in the best way and that there are differences in the way these services are delivered."

In Somerset, both Yeovil District Hospital and Musgrove Park Hospital have hyper acute stroke units.

The care delivered across local trusts is commendable although it lacks the right number of specialist staff needed to provide the units with 24/7 consultant cover. Information related to this is not known to hospitals as well.

Dr Rob Whiting, Consultant Stroke Physician and Clinical Director for Neuroscience and Stroke, Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Stroke is a medical emergency and the third most common cause of death for people under the age of 75 in the UK. There is clear evidence that patients benefit most from being treated at a hyper acute stroke unit in the first 72 hours after their stroke."

A spokesperson said :"We are hosting an online public event to present the proposal and invite engagement between members of the public and the team who are responsible for the proposal. Please join us to hear more about the proposal and take part in a public conversation."

"We are committed to understanding the needs of the local population. This is to ensure we can continue to deliver the best possible healthcare services in Somerset."

The 12 week public consultation on hospital based acute stroke services in Somerset launched on January 30 2023 and will end on Monday 24 April 2023.

Peter Lewis, Chief Executive of Somerset NHS Foundation Trust and Yeovil District Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “I am proud of the care that our colleagues provide for stroke patients, and they are working hard to give the best care possible, but experience from elsewhere has shown that consolidating stroke care can provide more sustainable services and better outcomes for more patients."

During this time there are a number of ways one can get involved and share their views on the future of acute hospital based stroke services,  find out where else you can come and visit: www.somersetics.org.uk/stroke-events  

Public consultation gives people the opportunity to provide their views before any decisions are taken. Be part of the conversation – www.somersetics.org.uk/stroke

Details of the online meeting are- Wednesday  March 8th, 3pm – 4.30pm

Online meeting -join via Microsoft Teams

For details to join the meeting, please RSVP to confirm your attendance and to receive details for joining the meeting online– telephone us 01935 384 124 or email somicb.fitformyfuture@nhs.net