Reshaping Stroke Care Action Plan
In summer 2022, the Department of Health published the Reshaping Stroke Care consultation analysis and a Stroke Action Plan was published, detailing future steps on stroke care in Northern Ireland.
We're pleased that the next steps have been outlined for much-needed stroke reform in six priority areas, including thrombolysis, thrombectomy, rehabilitation and long-term support. However, there is still much to be done to ensure that stroke patients and survivors receive the acute treatment, rehabilitation and long-term support services they need.
Despite the current political uncertainty, Stroke Association are working hard to keep stroke on the political agenda and to make the stroke community voice heard at all levels of government.
We'll be working with all stakeholders, including the Department of Health and the stroke community to ensure the actions are fully delivered in a timely manner and that outstanding decisions, such as the introduction of hyperacute centres of excellence, are made as soon as possible.
1000 days. Time to Make Stroke a Priority
The publication of the Stroke Action Plan followed our '1000 days' campaign which took place on 25 May 2022 and marked 1000 days since the Reshaping Stroke Care consultation closed.
We, alongside more than 70 charities, clinicians and stroke supporters, sent an open letter to the Health Minister calling for informed, ambitious and timely stroke care transformation in Northern Ireland.
Read our full letter or view a shorter version.
Northern Ireland Manifesto
Prior to the May 2022 Northern Ireland Assembly elections, we set out our asks for Government in our manifesto including reshaping stroke care, investing in rehabilitation and improving prevention.
View our full manifesto.
View the accessible version of our manifesto.
Northern Ireland priorities update
In Autumn 2023 we updated our priorities to reflect the need to urgently progress the reconfiguration of stroke services and improve access to thrombectomy in Northern Ireland. We also highlight the need to ensure that stroke survivors get the vital care they need to thrive after their stroke.
View our Priorities Document.
Survivor stories
We asked stroke survivors and their loved ones why the Northern Ireland Assembly needs to #MakeStrokeAPriority. Watch their stories of treatment, care, and recovery.
Campaigns network
Whether you're a stroke survivor, a family member, a carer or a professional, you can join our campaigns network. This is a community of involved supporters raising awareness and campaigning for people affected by stroke. You'll receive regular updates and actions giving you the chance to make your voice heard.
Join the conversation
Join our online communities on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Use #MakeStrokeAPriority to join and follow the conversation.
Want to know more?
Read our Progressing Stroke Reform, Struggling to Recover, Saving Brains: Thrombectomy and The Hidden Impact of Stroke: The Need for Psychological and Emotional Support reports which provide more detail on stroke care, recovery and prevention in Northern Ireland.