East Kent Hospitals’ stroke service has been named the best in the country, achieving the top rating in the latest Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme results.
SSNAP measures the quality and organisation of stroke care across the NHS, assessing factors such as speed of assessment and treatment, access to specialist units, therapy provision, and discharge readiness.
In the most recent dataset (July–September 2025), East Kent Hospitals was the only Trust in England to achieve an A rating, reflecting exceptional standards of care.
The service has pioneered several innovations, including:
- AI-enabled CT decision support software to accelerate scan interpretation and treatment
- 24-hour pre-hospital video triage, allowing paramedics to consult stroke specialists in real time
- Round-the-clock CT scanning and extended MRI access for rapid diagnosis
Clinical Lead for Stroke at East Kent Hospitals, and National Clinical Director for Stroke, Dr David Hargroves, commented:
“There have been remarkable improvements in stroke care delivered across the country and particularly so in East Kent Hospitals, reflected in this audit. Recently published mortality data also demonstrates statistically fewer patients are dying from stroke disease after being cared for in East Kent Hospitals.
“Although East Kent is the only organisation in the UK to have achieved this grade, a distinction that speaks to the quality, consistency and ambition of the service; there are still further improvements we know we need to make to ensure our patients get the very best possible care from the NHS.”
During the pandemic, hyperacute stroke services were consolidated at Kent and Canterbury Hospital, with long-term plans to expand and relocate to William Harvey Hospital in Ashford.
SSNAP provides vital data to clinicians, commissioners and patients, driving improvements in stroke care and reducing disability nationwide. Its scoring system was recalibrated in 2024 to align with the latest policy and clinical developments.
East Kent’s achievement underscores its commitment to world-class stroke care, combining cutting-edge technology with specialist expertise to deliver faster, more effective treatment.
Image credit: iStock
