Mallorca: one-day stroke tests free 18 beds monthly
At University Hospital Son Espases in Palma, selected stroke patients can now have their diagnostic tests completed in a single day instead of staying in hospital for about ten days. More than 35 patients have used the pathway since it began in March. The Balearic Islands Ministry of Health says around six patients a week benefit after a stroke linked to a temporary ischaemic attack, or TIA, in which a clot dissolves in the brain’s blood supply without causing symptoms.
Under the new Atención Virtual Preferente pathway, patients leave with a portable Holter monitor that sends its results directly to their doctor. They return within about five days for their remaining checks, scheduled across one day, so they need make only one further trip to hospital.
From a ten-day stay to one return visit
Previously, these patients usually arrived through A&E and stayed for around ten days while staff monitored them with a Holter. Their tests included an MRI brain scan, a heart ultrasound and an ultrasound of the supraaortic vessels.
The new arrangement brings those checks together after the patient has gone home. Respiratory medicine, A&E, admissions, neurology, management, IT, cardiology and radiodiagnostics all work on the process.
More beds and round-the-clock access
Son Espases estimates the system will make about 18 extra beds available each month. From October, it is due to run 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Until now, the pathway has only been available to patients arriving from Monday to Friday mornings.
Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com