Mobile stroke unit trial launched in Norfolk

A pioneering project that will bring hospital-level stroke care to people’s homes has been launched in Norfolk.

The East of England Ambulance Service (EEAST) and Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) have teamed up to run a mobile stroke unit as part of a six week trial.

The project aims to save lives and reduce serious disability by making sure patients who suffer a stroke receive fast access to the right treatment.

Every minute counts when someone develops the symptoms of stroke. The mobile stroke unit is a modified ambulance with specially trained crews which can give the patient a CT scan in the vehicle before administering clot-busting thrombolysis treatment where appropriate.

The ambulance is staffed by a consultant and paramedic with a video link to a radiology consultant at the NNUH to ensure a speedy diagnosis and treatment.

The initial trial will cover the Greater Norwich area and follows pilots in Southend and Ipswich.

Dan Phillips, EEAST Area Clinical Lead, said: “The ambulance is great in reducing the time it takes to diagnose and treat a patient who is having a stroke and it could have a big benefit for people living in rural areas. It is bringing hospital-level care to the patient’s home.”

It is hoped that the trial is the first step to having a permanent mobile specialist treatment unit in Norfolk and for other parts of the health system.

Dr Annie Chakrabarti, Consultant Stroke Physician at NNUH, added: “We are delighted to be involved in this exciting initiative. If we can intervene and administer clot-busting drugs within sixty minutes of the stroke happening, this could make a really significant difference to the outcome for these patients.”