STROKE patients being treated at Queen's Park Hospital, Blackburn are to benefit from specialist care following the launch of a new unit.

The hospital will open four beds especially for stroke patients tomorrow.

The beds, which are situated on Ward DI at Queen's Park Hospital, will enable patients to be given the best possible care following their stroke by a dedicated team of health care professionals.

The Trust has also purchased the latest high-tech equipment to enable patients to be closely monitored.

The first 72 hours are crucial for patients who have suffered from stroke in ensuring that they get the intensive monitoring, diagnostic services and treatment they need.

Previously these patients were nursed on general medical wards and the new beds will enable care and expertise to be concentrated in one area. As soon as the patient is fully stabilised, they will be moved to a rehabilitation ward for the rest of their stay in hospital

In providing these new facilities the Trust is making progress towards achieving one of the key standards in the National Service Framework for Older People, published in March 2001.

The opening of the acute stroke beds at Queen's Park hospital is part of a strategy to improve stroke services for people across East Lancashire.

Earlier this year the E.L.L.I.S (East Lancashire Leading in Stroke) Group was set up to identify areas in stroke services where improvements can be made to improve services for patients.

Dr Nick Roberts, Consultant Physician said, "This is a step forward in the care of patients who have suffered a stroke."