Response to John Reid's five-year plan for the NHS, as announced today

The Stroke Association welcomes any initiatives that could extend patient choice. However, an extension of choice should not be at the expense of providing a range of excellent local services.

For example, conditions such as stroke should be recognised and treated as a medical emergency, and systems should be in place to deliver this. Stroke is the UK's third biggest killer, so getting services right for stroke patients should be a priority. We look forward to seeing continual improvements in the acute, rehabilitation and community services that the 130,000 people who have a stroke each year in England and Wales currently receive.

We are pleased that the government plans to address the importance of public health issues such as obesity and smoking. Smokers are two to three times more likely to suffer strokes compared to people who do not smoke, whilst obesity increases the risk of cerebrovascular disease by 53%. There needs to be a greater understanding of the preventative measures everyone can take to preserve their general health. By raising the awareness of such issues, Dr Reid will help to reduce the health, emotional and financial costs of stroke.

Notes to editor

Notes to Editor:

1. Each year over 130,000 people in England and Wales have a stroke. Of all people who suffer from a stroke, about a third are likely to die within the first 10 days, about a third are likely to make a recovery within one month and about a third are likely to be left disabled and needing rehabilitation. Stroke has a greater disability impact than any other medical condition. A quarter of a million people are living with long-term disability as a result of stroke in the UK.

2. The Stroke Association is the only national charity solely concerned with combating stroke in people of all ages. 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 dysphasia support, family support, information services, welfare grants, publications and leaflets. We also campaign, educate and inform to increase knowledge of stroke at all levels of society and we act as a voice for everyone affected by stroke.

3. 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 strokes 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.

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