Higher nurse-to-bed ratios linked to lower mortality risk in stroke units. An observational study evaluating weekend staffing and mortality risk in 103 stroke units in England found that below-average nurse-to-bed ratios were associated with up to a 35% greater risk of death. Above-average nurse-to-bed ratios were associated with significantly reduced risk. No association was found between frequency of stroke specialist physician rounds and mortality risk. The study appeared in the August issue of PLOS Medicine.