The Stroke Association response to Lord Darzi's interim report on the NHS

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

"The Stroke Association welcomes Lord Darzi's report "Our NHS Our Future", published today. Stroke care needs urgent action across the NHS. The NHS's new Stroke Strategy will require the types of organisational change and commitment outlined in Lord Darzi's report, if we are to reduce deaths from stroke, prevent more strokes, and provide the best quality care for those left disabled by stroke.

"We welcome the creation of regional groups of health and social care staff to tackle specific areas of care, but we are concerned that this proposal does not include representation from patient groups. Stroke is a preventable condition, an emergency condition, an acute condition and a long term condition. Too often stroke services suffer because there is so little planning or dialogue between these aspects of health and social care.

"It is vital that the groups who will develop the vision outlined in Lord Darzi's report do not act in silos, but actively engage with each other - stroke survivors don't make a distinction between parts of their care; they need top quality health and social care at every stage."

ENDS
For further information please contact the Media Team at The Stroke Association on 020 7566 1500 or email the Press Office

Notes to editor

1. The Stroke Association is the only UK 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 communications support, family and carer 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 attack which causes brain damage. A stroke can be diagnosed by using FAST - Facial weakness, Arm weakness, Speech problems, Test all three. If any of 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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