Stroke care at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn is now listed in the top 20pc of services in the country.

West Raynham Ward has achieved an A rating from the Royal College of Physicians – the highest rating a stroke unit can receive.

During the last 14 months, the hospital's stroke unit has had a meteoric rise in improvement, having gone from the lowest rating, an E, to now being listed with the best in the country.

The Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme has assessed the hospital on several key areas, including the time taken to admit patients onto the unit, assessments and the administration of clot-busting drugs.

Dr Raj Shekhar, a stroke consultant at the hospital, said: 'This is fantastic news for West Norfolk patients who are able to receive one of the most comprehensive stroke services, including stroke prevention as well as hyper acute stroke services.

'This achievement is a reflection of the cohesive team working of stroke unit with the paramedics, A&E, and radiology staff.'

Stroke matron Milena Krasinska-Chavez said: 'During the last year the unit has been on a constant journey of improvement and this success is down to the team.

'Stroke services take in so many different disciplines and would not exist without team work.

'The West Raynham team is fantastic and incredibly committed to their patients.

'This is an achievement for the whole team, including the doctors, nurses, therapists , housekeepers, administration staff and TIA clinic staff.

'I would also include Friends of the Stroke Unit as part of that team. A lot of our work would not be possible without their support.'

West Raynham ward works closely with the East of England Ambulance Service paramedics, who run an early alert system by warning the on-call stroke nurse to ensure they are in waiting for the patient in A&E.

West Raynham is also performing above the national average by assessing, scanning and administering thrombolysis within 37 minutes of the patient arriving at the hospital. Patients are reviewed daily seven days a week by consultants and therapists to aid their recovery.