The fifth edition of the National clinical guideline for stroke, was published in October 2016. It was prepared by the Royal College of Physicians Intercollegiate Stroke Working Party chaired by Professor Tony Rudd, this working party also oversees the National Audit Programme for Stroke. It provides a comprehensive examination of stroke care, encompassing the whole of the stroke pathway from acute care through to longer-term rehabilitation, including secondary prevention.

This edition also informs healthcare professionals about what should be delivered to stroke patients and how this should be organised, with the aim of improving the quality of care for everyone who has a stroke, regardless of age, gender, type of stroke, or location. It also has a detailed section on commissioning of stroke care, which will be useful for clinical commission groups in the changing healthcare landscape.