NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is set to review public consultation feedback on improvements to stroke services across the area next week (2 November).
Feedback showed that nine in ten people understood why stroke services need to change and a majority supported the proposal to create a single Hyper-Acute Stroke Unit at Southmead Hospital.
There was a balance of public views on the proposals for hospital care in an Acute Stroke Unit. Half of respondents supported one unit at Southmead Hospital whilst others supported two units with a second at the Bristol Royal Infirmary.
1,833 responses were received between June and September representing more than 2,200 people across over 40 engagement events and outreach meetings.
A decision-making business case on the future of stroke services will now be developed over the coming weeks and brought to the CCG’s Governing Body for discussion and decision in the New Year.
Dr Chris Burton, Clinical Lead for the programme, said:
“I would like to thank every person who provided feedback during the consultation, as well as the many community organisations who helped spread the word of the consultation to their members.
“We are now better informed about what people in our area think of the proposed changes. These views will be taken into account alongside clinical evidence and financial information as we prepare to reach a decision on the future of services.
“Stroke affects more than 1500 people each year in our area, and we want everyone to have the best possible opportunity to survive and thrive after stroke. The changes put forward were developed by clinicians, staff and stroke survivors and have been designed to ensure that more people survive a stroke and fewer people live with long-term disabilities.”