Response to Chief Medical Officer, Sir Liam Donaldson's annual report

Joe Korner, Director of Communications at The Stroke Association comments:

"We welcome Sir Liam Donaldson's annual report today. Stroke services are patchy across the country and it is vital that these are improved to save lives and improve outcomes for the estimated 150,000 people that have a stroke in the UK each year.

"Admitting stroke patients into a stroke unit can halve mortality rates and ensuring brain scans are administered within 3 hours can significantly improve outcomes.

"The Department of Health are currently developing a stroke strategy and we urge doctors and nurses to get involved in this and help improve stroke services across the country."

For further information please call the Media team at The Stroke Association on 020 7566 1500 or email press@stroke.org.uk

For further information on the report please click here.

Notes to editor

1.The Stroke Association is the only national charity solely concerned with combating stroke in people of all ages. The charity funds research into prevention, treatment, better methods of rehabilitation and helps stroke patients and their families directly through its community services which include dysphasia support, family support, information services, welfare grants, publications and leaflets. The Stroke Association also campaigns, educates and informs to increase knowledge of stroke at all levels of society acting as a voice for everyone affected by stroke.

2.A stroke is a brain equivalent of a heart attack. A stroke can be diagnosed by using FAST - Facial weakness, Arm weakness, Speech problems, Test all three. If these symptoms are present call an ambulance straight away.

3.The Stroke Helpline provides information on stroke to the general public and is open between 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday on 0845 3033 100

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