New Figures Reveal 'Postcode Lottery' Concerns

A medical law expert at Irwin Mitchell has revealed her concerns over reports that survival rates for stroke patients are more than 50 per cent higher in London hospitals than in those outside of the capital.

According to a report in the Sunday Telegraph, an investigation by the NHS has revealed the death rate within 30 days of admission for stroke treatment stood at 14.6 per cent in central London hospitals.

Hospitals in small and rural areas, as well as industrial cities, were found to be the worst-performing in the area.

Angela Kirtley, a medical law and patient rights specialist at Irwin Mitchell’s Newcastle office, said that such trends highlight major concerns that a postcode lottery has developed in relation to the care available.

She said: “All patients should have access to the best possible standards of care and treatment, regardless of where they live or the hospitals they are treated at. This data highlights a worrying trend that many people living outside London who have suffered strokes are not getting the support they need at an incredibly difficult time.

“Such information is going to raise serious concerns with a huge number of people, including the families of those who are seeking help to recover from strokes.

“We hope that the NHS can work quickly to get to grips with the quality of care it is offering to stroke victims and ensure they are getting timely and comprehensive support in their battles following the problems.”