HAVERING residents have a better than average chance of surviving a stroke according to a new report.

Figures released by Commissioning Support for London, a body which monitors health services, show that death rates for Havering’s stroke patients are significantly lower than the average for England.

The report also shows that the number of people admitted to hospital with stroke in the borough is above the national average.

It is believed the high number of people suffering strokes could be due to the number of older people living in Havering as well as the incidence of high blood pressure among the population.

Specialist therapy services provided at home for patients recovering from stroke have also improved recently, according to the report.

Frances Pennell-Buck, the chair of NHS Havering, said: “Providing a high standard of health care is a particular priority in Havering where we have a growing older population.

“We are pleased the report recognises the improvements made, thanks to the hard work of our stroke care teams, and we will continue our efforts to provide an excellent service for patients.”

Stroke patient Ted Walton, 70, from Elm Park, said: “I’m ecstatic with the care I’m getting. When I first had a stroke at the age of 43 I was in hospital for 12 weeks, then you came home and you were left to it. But the care I get now is so much better.”

People suffering from strokes in the borough are usually taken to the hyper acute stroke unit at Queen’s Hospital, Rom Valley Way, Romford and are then sent home or transferred to St. George’s Hospital, Suttons Lane, Hornchurch, if they need more time to recover.

When patients return home they are assessed by a community team to see if they need further therapy.

Signs of a stroke include sudden facial weakness, arm weakness or speech problems. Anyone who thinks they or someone else are suffering a stroke should call 999 immediately. For more information visit www.stroke.org.uk.