Ireland saw an 8% rise in admissions for stroke in hospitals in 2023, according to the Irish National Audit of Stroke Care.
It found that the average timeline of care from arrival at hospital to medical review improved from 14 minutes in 2022, to nine minutes in 2023.
The rate for surgical removal of clots (Thrombectomy) in an artery rose to 11.2%, nearly three times the rate reported in the UK.
However, stroke admissions were at 70%, below the target of 90%, meaning that nearly 2,000 patients did not receive dedicated stroke unit care.
Early supported discharge for stroke patients was deemed poor - at 9% compared to 52% in the UK.
Also psychological assessment was under provided, with just 6% of stroke patients getting it despite high rates of post stroke depression and anxiety.
The report from the National Office of Clinical Audit looked at 23 hospitals and found that 6,461 patients were admitted with a stroke diagnosis.
It calls for more investment in stroke unit capacity and faster prehospital recognition of stroke symptoms.
It also recommends a review of the organisation of stroke services in acute hospitals to identify gaps in service provision which may impact on the ability of a hospital to provide evidence-based care.
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Irish National Audit of Stroke Clinical Lead Professor Joe Harbison said the data shows Ireland continues to make progress in acute stroke care, particularly in areas such as thrombectomy and faster hospital assessment.
However, he said that gaps remain in key areas, particularly in access to stroke units and post-hospital rehabilitation.
Prof Harbison called for enhanced public awareness campaigns to encourage rapid recognition of stroke symptoms and emergency response and the full implementation of the National Stroke Strategy to ensure access to high-quality stroke care.
Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, he said 'FAST' is key when someone is suspected of having a stroke.
FAST stands for Face, Arm, Speech and Time, and represents the key signs that someone may be having a stroke, including whether their face is drooping, if they can raise both arms and whether they can speak clearly.
"If you've noticed any weakness in the face, if the arm is weak or it drops to the ground, you can't raise it, there's changes in speech like it becomes very slurred or difficulty finding words, can't speak at all, then it's time to get to the hospital or time to dial 999," Prof Harbinson said.
The HSE has said it welcomes the Irish National Audit of Stroke National Report.
It said that while the report highlights that stroke admissions and timeliness of care has improved, it also highlights other aspects of care where the HSE need to improve.
The HSE said it is working on an improvement plan to support people in all aspects of care, including early supported discharge and psychological supports.
