Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to improve access to treatment for people who have had a stroke.

The National Stroke Service Model, published by NHS England in May 2021, articulates optimal evidenced-based stroke care. Patients are expected to be seen by a stroke specialist clinician within 60 minutes of arrival and have their treatment plan determined.

From 1 April 2021, 20 Integrated Stroke Delivery Networks (ISDNs) were established giving full coverage across England. ISDNs include all key stakeholders across the system including providers, commissioners, clinicians and patient representative across the whole stroke pathway.

ISDNs are responsible for delivering optimal stroke pathways, based on best evidence, which ensures that more people who experience a stroke receive high-quality specialist care, from pre-hospital, through to rehabilitation and life after stroke.