Wycombe Hospital’s Stroke Unit has been awarded an A grade during its latest inspection.

The hospital based in Queen Alexandra Road maintained the top rating in the latest Stroke National Audit Programme (SSNAP) run by the Royal College of Physicians.

This is the 7th time the team has achieved an A with only 16 per cent of stroke units nationally receiving the rating.

The stroke unit – which offers treatment and support for more than 1,300 patients a year - started admitting patients from East Berkshire, including Slough, Maidenhead and Windsor which lead to 50 per cent increase in admissions.

Stroke consultant, Doctor Matthew Burn, said: “I am very pleased to say that we maintained our A grade, despite a substantial increase in patient numbers. We have steadily been recruiting staff and building up our team, which has expanded significantly in the light of the recent reconfiguration, and are now able to offer services which we could not offer previously, including Psychology and Music Therapy.

“The fact that we maintained our A rating during a period when not all new staff were yet in post is a testament to the high calibre and commitment of the whole team. I would like to say well done to everyone and a big thank you.”

The SSNAP assess the performances of stroke services in every acute hospital in England, Wales and Northern Ireland quarterly and are rated from A to E.