[Experiences from a stroke unit in a county hospital].

We review our experience from a stroke unit run as a project in a county hospital serving a population of 95-100,000. The average length of stay in hospital was 33.5 days. The mortality rate was low (10%). 73% of the patients were discharged to their homes, either directly or after a short stay of less than three months in nursing homes. A questionnaire sent to the patients after the end of the project period confirmed that about 70% were living at home 1-15 months after discharge. These findings are in accordance with the results from other stroke units, and support the conclusions of other investigators that treatment in stroke units improves the outcome for patients with acute stroke. We also briefly discuss complications, follow-up after discharge, and the implications for the patients' families.