Supporting the National Stroke Strategy
The selection of case studies below demonstrate the achievements made when applying service improvement methodology. Each case study describes the improvements made and the impact on service delivery.
NHS Improvement - Diagnostics published in Synergy News November 2011
Following the September Synergy article 'The Challenge for Radiology Imaging for Stroke and TIAs' we are pleased to publish a second article by Victoria Brown – National Improvement Lead and Dr Andy Beale – National Clinical Lead – Radiology Service Improvement, NHS Improvement, 'How to implement best practice in stroke and TIA imaging'.
The feature article focuses on the accelerating Stroke Improvement measures and provides extracts from case study examples developed in partnership With a number of Trusts across England. Full case studies are available.
Synergy News is a lively news digest of what is happening in radiography and the wider healthcare arena. All the hot topics are reported including role development and career progression, pay and conditions, research, CPD and health and safety and equality issues. www.sor.org
Resources
A guide to achieving changes in imaging services to support new stroke pathways
(Published April 2010 )

Why treat stroke and transient ischaemic attacks (TIAs) as emergencies?
Diagnostics and Stroke Improvement launched this publication on “Why treat stroke and transient ischaemic attacks (TIAs) as emergencies”. This publication highlights the benefits and provides examples of how radiology departments have managed to meet these demands
(Published June 2010)
The National Stroke Strategy (Dec 2007)Implementing the National Stroke Strategy - an imaging guide (June 2008)
CT Scanning case studies
Direct pathway from ambulance to CT scan
Training radiographers to perform CT heads
24 hour CT imaging for patients suspected of having a minor stroke
Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Providing a comprehensive stroke imaging service
Salford Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Improving access for patients - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week CT service
Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust
24 hour CT imaging for suspected stroke patients
Chesterfield Royal Hospital
Providing immediate access to CT head scans for stroke patients
South Devon Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (Torbay)
Implementation of Radiographer for CT head reporting for stroke
Kingston Hospital NHS Trust
MRI case studies
Implementing NICE Stroke Guidelines
Central Manchester NHS Foundation Trust
MRI training plan to support seven day working
Improving scanner utilisation in MRI by 25%
Ultrasound / Doppler case studies
Rapid access to Carotid Doppler Imaging for TIA’s - University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust
