Key concepts: The definition for “Stroke unit” is a dedicated geographically clearly defined area or ward in a hospital, where stroke patients are admitted and cared for by a multi-professional team (medical, nursing, and therapy staff) who have specialist knowledge of cerebral function, training and skills in stroke care with well-defined individual tasks, regular interaction with other disciplines, and stroke leadership. This team co-ordinates care through regular (weekly), multidisciplinary meetings. It cannot be a subunit of a general ICU or a coronary CU or ICU. Stroke beds’ disposition is decided solely by a stroke physician. Nursing personnel and paramedical staff have training and experience in stroke and are dedicated