The Royal United Hospital has been rated among the best in the UK for the care it provides to stroke patients.

Results from the 2010 Public Report on Stroke Care, published by the Royal College of Physicians, put the RUH in the top category for the organisation and delivery of stroke care.

Hospitals were scored on their access to stroke clinics, waiting times, extent of patient involvement and the existence of a specialised team for all levels of stroke care and surgery.

The report found that 83 per cent of patients at the RUH seen last year had surgery within two weeks of being admitted – more than double the national average.

Experts say patients should have surgery within two weeks of suffering an attack to help prevent a full-blown stroke.

However nationally just a third of patients receive such specialist surgery within that time frame, and many do not get it at all.

RUH consultant vascular surgeon Mahesh Pai said he was pleased with the rating, but vowed to improve care so that all stroke patients meet the deadline.

Mr Pai said: "This was possible only because of the close working relationship between the vascular unit and the stroke unit.

"I am lucky to have some very supportive anaesthetists and experienced theatre and ward staff without whom we would not have achieved this.

"We hope to improve even further so not a single patient misses the two-week deadline."

Consultant Louise Shaw added: "We have worked hard over the past few years to transform the stroke service at the RUH.

"I am grateful to all the support I have had from across the hospital to make this possible, and thrilled to see it making a difference to those unfortunate enough to suffer a stroke and their families."