Archive 1995–2023

Weekend admissions can be associated with poor outcome and increased mortality. This phenomenon is associated particularly with acute diseases and was defined as the "weekend effect". Stroke is a condition that requires immediate intervention. Our aim was to evaluate the impact of weekend admissions on stroke outcome and mortality in medical literature. It has been suggested that increased mortality in weekend stroke patients may be due to availability of quality pre-hospital and hospital stroke service. Comprehensive stroke centres with 24/7 availability of stroke specialists, advanced neuroimaging, surveillance of specialized nursing care can ameliorate the "weekend effect" in stroke patients. Identification of disparities in resources, expertise and healthcare provider working during the weekend may ameliorate differences in outcomes. Efficient and effective emergency healthcare should be available, irrespective of the day or time of admission.