Ambulance video calls speeding up stroke care across the East - as service up for award
Across the region, the average wait time from hospital arrival to a brain scan for stroke patients has significantly decreased from 50 minutes to just 15 minutes
Ambulance crews in the East of England are using video call technology to improve stroke care for patients, with the service now recognised in the NHS Excellence Awards.
The East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) has implemented the Stroke Video Triage service, connecting stroke patients directly with hospital specialists via a handheld device.
This initiative allows for quicker assessments, reducing the time it takes for patients to receive life-saving treatment.
Since launching in 2022, over 5,000 people with suspected strokes have benefited from faster diagnosis and care.
The service is currently operational in 12 out of 15 stroke centres in the region.
Brittany Farthing, clinical lead for stroke video triage at EEAST, explained the benefits of this technology.
“Getting the right diagnosis quickly means patients can receive the right treatment sooner, significantly improving their chances of recovery. Video assessment allows stroke specialists to see patients remotely, before they even arrive at hospital," Farthing said.
Video assessments reduce the need for patients to visit crowded accident and emergency departments, enabling them to go directly to specialist units.
Moreover, hospital teams can prepare by scheduling necessary scans and tests while patients are en route.
Across the region, the average wait time from hospital arrival to a brain scan for stroke patients has significantly decreased from 50 minutes to just 15 minutes, with Luton and Dunstable Hospital reporting a time reduction to just three minutes.
The Stroke Video Triage service has been named regional champion in the “Delivering Value” category of the NHS Excellence Awards.
These awards celebrate services that enhance patient care and efficiently utilise NHS resources.
The project will advance to the national finals of the NHS Excellence Awards, with winners announced at a ceremony on 10th June at NHS ConfedExpo.
Farthing emphasised, “The success of this project has been down to partnership. EEAST has worked together with the East of England Integrated Stroke Delivery Networks and, of course, the hard work and commitment of hospital stroke teams.”