S7E1 - The Stroke Pathway in Focus: Improving Access, Outcomes and Equity

This episode of AXREM Insights focuses on the current state of the UK stroke pathway, featuring insights from Michelle Dalmacio of the Stroke Association. The discussion highlights the scale of the challenge, with over 100,000 strokes each year and growing demand placing pressure on services. While effective treatments such as thrombectomy can significantly improve recovery and reduce disability, access remains inconsistent, with only a small percentage of eligible patients receiving it and limited 24/7 availability across centres. The conversation explores how workforce shortages, regional inequalities, and gaps in community rehabilitation continue to impact patient outcomes, reinforcing the need for coordinated national action.

Alongside these challenges, the episode emphasises the opportunity for innovation to transform stroke care. Advanced imaging, AI-driven decision-making, and tele-radiology are presented as key tools to support faster diagnosis, better triage, and more equitable access to specialist treatment. The importance of the full care pathway is a central theme, particularly the role of rehabilitation and community support in long-term recovery. The episode also underlines the importance of public awareness, encouraging recognition of stroke symptoms through the FAST test and stressing that stroke is a medical emergency where rapid action can save lives and improve outcomes.

View our State of the Stroke Pathway paper here

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