Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust has come into the spotlight for its advice to patients showing possible stroke symptoms. They have been recommended to bypass the Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital in Grimsby. The reason for this directive is the lack of a specialist stroke unit at the Grimsby hospital. Instead, patients are encouraged to dial 999 for an ambulance that would transport them to Scunthorpe General Hospital, home to a hyper-acute stroke unit.
While the advice has been given with the intent of ensuring patients receive the best possible treatment, it has rung alarm bells among the local community who perceive a risk of essential treatment being delayed because of ambulance wait times. The Stroke Association has endorsed these fears highlighting the paramount importance of quick medical intervention in stroke instances.
Concerned locals have also questioned the feasibility of the advice via social media, bringing up the extra journey time to Scunthorpe. However, NHS Humber Health Partnership stands by the directive, emphasising that the dedicated facilities in Scunthorpe guarantee superior stroke care for the region.
Original reporting by www.bbc.com as adapted by The Lincoln Post.
