Stroke patients are benefiting from a new service at Colchester General Hospital.
Earlier this month, the trust that runs the hospital introduced the use of clot-busting drugs on people who have had an acute ischaemic stroke – a blood clot on the brain.
Thrombolysis is used to break up blood clots and is more commonly given to heart attack patients.
Research has shown that using the drugs can help to limit the effects of the stroke, reducing disability and helping some patients to maintain their independence.
The new service started at Colchester General Hospital, which has a stroke unit serving all of north east Essex, on December 8.
It will take on additional staff, including doctors, to make 24/7 acute ischaemic thrombolysis possible by July next year.
- More in today's Gazette
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