Post-Stroke NHS services in Berkshire West

Back in January I called for action to be taken to improve local post-Stroke services for patients after the publication of a highly-critical report by the Care Quality Commission.

In that report, Berkshire West PCT (which serves Reading) was rated 127 out of 151 PCTs in England. Services in neighbouring Berkshire East were found to be even worse.

The report was circulated to members of the Council's Community Care, Housing & Health Panel but as far as I'm aware the then Labour Chair of the Committee, Cllr Mike Orton did not investigate the issue further.

I wrote to the Chair of the PCT, Penny Henrion in my capacity as then Lead Member for Health expressing my concerns and asking her what steps were being taken to improve patient care in a number of key areas:

• Providing a range of information for patients who have suffered a stroke (score – 1 out of a possible 5)
• Involving stroke survivors and carers in planning and developing stroke services (score – 1 out of a possible 5)
• Helping people to participate in community life (score 1 out of a possible 5)
• Helping people to choose services they want (score 1 out of a possible 5)
• Reviewing progress after people have left hospital (score 2).

I waited for a response from Ms Henrion but am sorry to say I did not recieve one.

So much for accountability in our local health services!

I have emailed Ms Henrion again today asking for a response and an update on this important issue which impacts on thousands of Reading residents.