Research project

Closing the Gap: Addressing Inequalities in Stroke Care in Coastal East Suffolk and North Essex

Background

The East Suffolk and North Essex coastal areas are in terrible condition in terms of the Index of Multiple Deprivation. Circulatory conditions contribute the largest percentage to a lower life expectancy in these areas, affecting those less well-off the most. Stroke remains a major contributor to mortality and disability in Essex and Suffolk, which worsens the gap. A high burden of the disease has been reported in East Suffolk and North Essex districts, which is this project's study area. So, there is an urgent need to deliver high-quality stroke care that centers on the needs and assets of stroke patients.


The East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Trust (ESNEFT) and the University of Essex are collaborating on a project (CoastGEM: Coastal Gap in Equality for Stroke Care Management) to investigate stroke care in coastal areas. The aim of CoastGEM's project is to determine inequalities in effective stroke care, their negative health outcomes, and their determinants in ESNEFT and England. The project also conducts situational analysis of the stroke care system across the entire pathway, utilizing a stroke framework as a comprehensive assessment tool.

Moving forward, CoastGEM's project creates opportunities to make health equity audits across the stroke care pathway by examining the features of existing stroke services, seeking the views of patients and carers, and analyzing data on using stroke services. Finally, based on the findings, CoastGEM will formulate actionable steps for effective progress toward equitable access to sufficient stroke care for all.

6 people sat around a table, looking to the cameraFive people standing, posing for a photo in front of the stroke community centre sign

ESNEFT Stroke System Stakeholders

Research

Rehab and life after stroke

ESNEFT research team

Marie Alexander

Researcher

ESNEFT

Penny Cason

Researcher

ESNEFT

Ramachandran Sivakumar

Researcher

ESNEFT