Aims: To describe the development of a stroke rehabilitation area (SRA) for the elderly.
Methods: Key steps in establishing the SRA are outlined. Using a before and after study design, outcomes, including length of stay (LOS) in hospital and discharge domicile, were measured.
Results: Difficulties in changing service delivery within a large organisation are outlined. Median LOS in hospital was reduced significantly by 8.0 days, without adversely affecting discharge domicile.
Conclusions: We have shown that implementing a SRA in a New Zealand health setting is feasible and can significantly reduce LOS.