Commenting on today's (08/07/04) Healthcare Commission State of Healthcare report, The Stroke Association says:

"Today's report shows that many areas with lower socio-economic groups are still not receiving the funds needed to provide effective treatments and support for patients. People in lower socio-economic areas are more likely to have illnesses such as strokes and therefore unlikely to receive the right or best treatment.

We welcome progress that has been made in reducing the numbers of people affected by cancer and coronary disease but urge the government to focus on other long term, chronic illnesses such as stroke. Every five minutes someone in the UK has a stroke and it is the country's third biggest killer, costing the NHS £2.5 billion annually. The NHS needs to develop plans to acknowledge the report's recommendations to widen health prevention to reduce these illnesses by tackling issues such as obesity and smoking. Prevention campaigns need to be clear and aim to reach all groups particularly those most vulnerable to illnesses such as black and minority ethnic groups."

If you would like any further information on this please contact the Media Team on 0207 566 1515 or press@stroke.org.uk

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