RECENT media reports suggest that the scale of the 'bed-blocking' problem is far worse than the Department of Health has admitted.

Certainly, it is generally agreed that this an issue that needs to be addressed if waiting lists are going to drop. Perhaps the care of stroke patients holds the key to the solution?

Currently people affected by strokes occupy some 20 per cent of acute hospital beds and 25 per cent of long-term beds. So if stroke patients spend less time in hospital, more beds would be available for others.

Research has shown that patients who go into 'stroke units' spend less time in hospital, are more likely to survive their stroke and suffer less disability. Unfortunately, at the moment, just a quarter of those affected by stroke go into such units.

So, if the NHS targeted improvements in stroke care, as required by the latest National Service Framework, not only will stroke patients benefit but all others will too. A case of everyone wins all round.

Mr Eoin Redahan, Director

The Stroke Association