Mid Essex Hospital Services NHS Trust has been recognised as the top performing stroke service in the country for ensuring that patients access the stroke unit in four hours.

The data, which was sourced from the Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme (SSNAP), was featured in an independent publication, a nationally recognised database compiled by the Royal College of Physicians.

It indicates that 87.6 per cent of patients are admitted to the stroke unit within four hours.

Mid Essex was also fourth in the country for ensuring that patients receive a swallow assessment in four hours, achieving 94.2 per cent in this vital element of stroke care.

Jo Clayden, Matron for Stroke and Neurology Services, said: “I am delighted that we have a particular mention in the publication and that this data demonstrates the stroke service at Broomfield is facilitating world class stroke care.

“I could not be more proud of the team for providing this level of care to our patients. This high level service is the result of the hard work and commitment of the stroke team, who work relentlessly, offering 24/7 stroke specialist care.

"We now have one of the most effective nurse led services in the country and are delighted with this recognition.”