Organised care of stroke patients within a single unit has been shown to reduce mortality and disability. I understand that a Stroke Unit was established in June 2002 in the Mater Misericordiae Hospital, Dublin and that the Health Service Executive is supporting the development of stroke care in a number of other acute hospitals.
In addition, a national audit of stroke services commenced in March 2006. This is an Irish Heart Foundation initiative in association with my Department. The entire study is scheduled to take 18 months to complete. The result of this audit will inform future policy and strategy for the development of services for patients with stroke in Ireland.