STROKE services in West Kent are ‘not fit for purpose’ as too many people are left waiting for vital medication and treatment, MP Greg Clark has claimed.
Writing in today’s edition of the Times the MP sets out his view on why his constituency is a logical place to base a new specialist stroke unit following a review into the provision of stroke care in Kent and Medway.
A total of three specialist stroke units are set to be delivered at a cost of £40million, with Tunbridge Wells Hospital on a shortlist of potential sites.
Mr Clark has argued in favour of its selection as the hospital’s catchment area also services a large portion of East Sussex and the fact its inclusion ranked highly in the quality of care assessment.
With the launch of a public consultation on the issue, Mr Clark is urging residents to seize the ‘once in a lifetime opportunity’ to transform stroke care in the local area.
His lobbying for the new unit comes as he criticises the quality of care currently available as being ‘unacceptable’, pointing out that one third of stroke victims using local services are not getting scans on time, while half are waiting too long for the right drugs.