A pilot scheme designed to improve access to specialist stroke treatment for Harrogate residents has delivered significant improvements, councillors will be told next week.
The Harrogate Acute Stroke Pilot Pathway, introduced in March 2025, was set up after concerns that some patients were not consistently receiving care in designated hyperacute stroke units (HASUs).
Figures to be presented to North Yorkshire Council’s scrutiny of health committee next Monday show the pilot has led to a 34 per cent reduction in Harrogate patients not receiving hyperacute stroke-level care.
Despite a 17 per cent reduction in overall recorded strokes in the area, total admissions to specialist HASU units remained stable, with 166 admissions pre-pilot compared to 167 afterwards.
The changes have also improved adherence to the intended ambulance pathway.
Direct journeys to Harrogate District Hospital, which does not have a HASU, reduced by 24 per cent, while more patients were taken straight to specialist centres.
The split of patients between Leeds General Infirmary and York District Hospital shifted significantly.
There was a substantial increase in Harrogate patients treated at York District Hospital, with confirmed stroke admissions rising from 36 before the pilot to 152 afterwards.
Admissions to York increased by more than 400 per cent, while admissions to Leeds fell accordingly.
Ambulance performance improved during the pilot. Category 2 response times reduced from an average of 29 minutes to 21 minutes, while inter-hospital transfer times also fell and remained within national standards.
Patient feedback was also positive, with the revised pathway described as more streamlined and providing faster access to specialist stroke units.
The report concluded:
“The pilot pathway has improved access to specialist hyperacute stroke care for Harrogate residents and strengthened adherence to national clinical guidelines. Ambulance performance has improved, and fewer patients are being conveyed to Harrogate District Hospital.
“However, the pilot has also resulted in increased demand at York District Hospital, which may require additional investment to sustain in the long-term. Transferring most of the patients from one acute provider to the other was never an intended outcome of the pilot.”
Officials say improved access to hyperacute care is linked to better survival rates and reduced long-term disability.
The pilot has now been extended until April 2026 while talks are being held about how to secure the improvements permanently.
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