The development of a comprehensive stroke programme in the acute hospital

Stroke is the third leading cause of death and an important cause of hospital admissions and long term disability.(1) The incidence of stroke is estimated at 200 per 100,000 of the population. Dublin has approximately 2,400 new strokes per annum.(2) In 1989 a comprehensive stroke programme was introduced in St Vincent's Hospital. The aim was to provide patients with a coordinated approach to rehabilitation. A study of the programme was conducted in 1993 by detailed chart review. 129 patients with a clinical diagnosis of stroke were referred to the programme during a 12 month period. 27.13% were under age 65 and 72.87% were over 65 years, 18% died and 44.2% were discharged home, independently mobile. The study findings suggest that the comprehensive stroke programme in St Vincent's Hospital represents a feasible model of care in the acute general hospital setting.