HEALTH chiefs are introducing a new system for dealing with stroke victims which could buy the precious minutes that save lives.

Currently, patients who are identified by ambulance staff as having suffered a stroke are taken to the nearest accident and emergency department for further examination.

For many people living in Hambleton and Richmondshire that means the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton - however it does not currently provide the necessary thrombolytic treatment.

But from July 1 patients who have suffered an acute stroke - and have been assessed by ambulance staff as likely to benefit from such treatment - will be taken directly to James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough.

General practitioner Dr Adrian Jones has been involved in developing the "ambulance divert" as part of a health service strategic review.

"The time taken between identifying the signs of stroke and actually administering thrombolytic treatment is absolutely critical," he said.

"There is a window of around three hours in which thrombolytic treatment can be effective. Under the current arrangements, this can be missed if patients have to be taken to two different hospitals.

"Ultimately, the ambulance divert will ensure that stroke patients in our area have the very best chances of survival and are at less risk of suffering long-term side effects."

The South Tees Hospitals NHS Trust is fully supportive of the move.

Director of planning Jill Moulton said: "Figures show that around two to three patients a week in Hambleton and Richmondshire suffer an acute stroke who would benefit from thrombolytic treatment.

"Bringing them directly to James Cook will ensure they receive the best treatment possible and stand the best chance of recovery."

NHS North Yorkshire and York’s director of strategy, David Cockayne, said the divert demonstrated their commitment to continually reviewing the services they commission.

"Involvement from local GPs, South Tees NHS Trust, Friarage Hospital and Yorkshire Ambulance Service has been paramount to us now being in a position to introduce this service which will act as an interim measure until a more permanent solution is arrived at," he said.

He added: "I would like to stress that the ambulance divert has the sole objective of improving patient care whilst making the most efficient use of existing NHS resources.

"Equally important to note is that there is no threat to existing accident and emergency services provided at the Friarage Hospital."