Southend West Labour Candidate calls for a Hyper Acute Stroke Unit based in Southend

Southend West Labour Candidate, Julian Ware-Lane, wants to see the best outcome for Southend people when it comes to the treatment of strokes. Julian Ware-Lane is unequivocal about his support for Southend University Hospital, and is disappointed that the two local MPs seem reluctant to back this local popular facility. A local Hyper Acute Stroke Unit (HASU) would deliver improved health outcomes for Southend people.

Southend is at the frontier of new research and treatments for stroke patients. They have recently introduced Vascular Intervention (removing brain clots via catheter) with spectacular improvement and outcomes. They are the only unit in Essex offering this treatment, which will be the benchmark for future treatment in acute stroke.

Stroke thrombolysis is not just about delivery, but also speed of delivery – there is no debate that quicker treatment improves a patient’s odds of a better outcome.

Given the shortage of stroke physicians in England and therapy staff, it would not be possible to fully staff four or five HASUs in Essex without vacancies and gaps in the rotas. The impact of fewer HASUs for Essex has been considered; the Essex SCAG has strongly recommended stroke patients be able to access expert stroke teams with 45 minutes.

Julian Ware-Lane, Labour candidate for Southend West, says: “Unlike the local Conservative Party, I back our hospital. I have used the hospital and it has always provided first class treatment. Long may it continue to do so.”

“I would repeat and support the plea previously made by Alan Tobias, Chair of the Southend University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, that it is imperative that a joint public consultation is held urgently across South Essex with a clear précis of the clinical experts recommendations, and an agreed commitment that the CCGs will deliver the public wish.”

Julian adds: “A state of the art stroke unit would be a beneficial addition to the facilities currently on offer. Southend’s residents deserve the very best that can reasonably be offered.”