Dorset trust among best for stroke care

Support services for stroke patients in Dorset have been ranked among the best in the country.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) assessed 151 Primary Care Trust (PCT) areas across England for care provided by the NHS and social services.

The Dorset PCT area came 15th in the list, based on the average scores across 15 assessment areas.

Bournemouth and Poole came 26th in the table.

Both areas scored poorly on providing early supported discharge schemes - where people are able to leave hospital early and receive intense rehabilitation after they return home.

The CQC, the independent watchdog of health and social care in England, gave an overall assessment ranking to the 151 trusts, ranging from "least well" to "best".

Dorset PCT and Bournemouth and Poole trust areas were among 40 to be awarded the highest overall assessment of "best".