Its Just Not Good Enough

The Stroke Association reacted strongly to the announcement today of the latest National Audit of Stroke Services 2001/02.

"Although there is a Government target to improve stroke services and the evidence shows that treatment in a stroke unit saves lives and reduces disability, we are really disappointed that still nearly three quarters of stroke patients do not get this life saving care," says Margaret Goose, Chief Executive of The Stroke Association.

The charity acknowledges that there is some good news from the audit. Nearly 75% of general hospitals have stroke units and 80% of Trusts now have a clinician with responsibility for stroke.

"Stroke care is moving forward but at a snail's pace," says Miss Goose. "And while the improvement in care edges forward people are dying when they should not be or suffering from disability when they could be living independent lives."

"The British Association of Stroke Physicians estimates an average NHS district should have two full-time stroke physicians so we've still quite a way to go. And the Audit also shows that although there has been an increase in the number of stroke units, most are not big enough to treat all stroke patients."

The Stroke Association is therefore calling on the Government to focus more attention on stroke care.

"The blue print for improving stroke care has been set out by the Department of Health in the National Service Framework for Older People. But what we need is for words to be put into action," says Miss Goose.
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Stroke is one of the UK's biggest killers and the single main cause of severe disability. Latest economic figures show that stroke care costs the NHS and Social Services £2.3 billion in 1995/96. The comparison for heart disease was £1.8 billion.

Ends

Notes to editor

1. For more information call The Stroke Association: 020 7566 0317 or 020 7566 0328.

2. A stroke happens when the blood supply to the brain is disrupted. Most strokes occur when a blood clot blocks the flow of blood to the brain. Some strokes are caused by bleeding in or around the brain from a burst blood vessel. When the blood supply is disrupted, parts of the brain become damaged or destroyed. Some stroke are fatal whist others can cause permanent or temporary paralysis to one side of the body and loss of the ability to speak, read or write. Recovery may be slow and can vary from person to person.

3. Stroke is one of the biggest killers and the largest single cause of disability in the UK. Around 100,000 people in England and Wales suffer a first stroke each year - about 10,000 are under the age of 55 and 1,000 are under the age of 30. One person every five minutes will suffer a first stroke.

4. The Stroke Association is the only national charity solely concerned with combating stroke. It funds research into prevention, treatment and better methods of rehabilitation and helps stroke patients and their families directly through its community services. These include visiting services, dysphasia support, family support, information centres, welfare grants, publications and leaflets.

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