The Hospital Universitario Son Llàtzer has achieved a significant improvement in emergency stroke care following the update of its hyperacute care protocol. The reorganisation of clinical pathways has led to a substantial reduction in response times, a critical factor in stroke management, with clear benefits for patient outcomes and recovery.

Through coordinated work between the Emergency, Neurology, Radiology and Pharmacy departments, the hospital has streamlined internal processes and aligned clinical practice with the latest scientific standards. As a result, the average time required to initiate treatment after a patient’s arrival has been reduced by more than 50%, from 69 to 28 minutes. Similarly, the time to perform a brain scan, a key diagnostic test, has been shortened considerably, from 50 minutes to just 18.

Improvements have also been made in the organisation of urgent transfers for patients requiring advanced treatments such as mechanical thrombectomy. Enhanced logistics ensure faster access to referral centres, minimising delays and increasing the likelihood of effective intervention.

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Son Llàtzer halves stroke response times and improves patient recovery outcomes

These faster response times have translated into better clinical outcomes. Earlier treatment initiation has increased the number of patients eligible for specific therapies and has significantly improved functional recovery. Currently, nearly two out of three stroke patients regain their autonomy before hospital discharge, while the mortality rate remains below the national average.

Key measures include a redesigned workflow within the Emergency Department, where patients awaiting transfer for mechanical thrombectomy now remain in emergency care rather than being admitted to a ward, helping to prevent avoidable delays. From a pharmacological perspective, the protocol prioritises the use of tenecteplase, a treatment that is easier to administer and enables faster action, particularly in cases requiring urgent transfer. In addition, the Neurology Department has strengthened admission procedures to the Stroke Unit through visual identification systems that allow immediate recognition of stroke type and the affected side of the body, enhancing safety and coordination of care.