WHIPPS Cross University Hospital is to continue giving stroke care after fears the service could be taken away altogether.

A failed bid for a new emergency stroke unit earlier this year and a review of health care in north east London prompted concerns the Leytonstone hospital could be facing “death by a thousand cuts”.

But the hospital has now been designated a local stroke unit as part of a plan to improve care in London.

The specialist unit, which also offers treatment for “mini- strokes”, has been allocated to Whipps Cross under a reorganisation of London stroke and major trauma centres.

People who suffer mini-strokes will be quickly assessed and treated so that the chances of having a full stroke will be reduced.

The plans were approved by a joint committee of London Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) after Healthcare for London led a review of clinical evidence and consultation.

Investments in stroke and trauma care at Whipps Cross include shared consultant posts with Barts and the London and UCLH, increasing staff and stroke specific training.

The first of four major trauma centres and eight emergency stroke centres will open next year.

The closest of these centres to Whipps Cross will be at The Royal London Hospital, Whitechapel and Queen’s Hospital, Romford.

This new model is aimed at providing stroke patients with quicker assessments, diagnostic tests and improved monitoring and rehabilitation.

New major trauma centres will treat the most seriously injured, such as patients with head injuries and multiple fractures, with the closest centre at The Royal London.