Reshaping Stroke Care in Northern Ireland consultation closes
The Department of Health’s public consultation on Reshaping Stroke Care, which launched in March, closed on Friday 30 August 2019.
The consultation outlined plans to create specialised Hyper Acute Stroke Units (HASUs) in Northern Ireland to offer 24/7 care. The aim is to significantly reduce disability and save more lives. Six new stroke care models were proposed by the Department of Health for the public to consider. The Department has also committed to improving the treatment of transient ischaemic attacks (TIAs) and community-based stroke care.
The Stroke Association has submitted our consultation response for the Department of Health to consider. We want to thank everyone in the stroke community who took the time to speak to us over the past few months, and who shared their thoughts and stories to inform our response.
The Stroke Association supports the need for change. However, there are a number of areas which we think the Department of Health must address as a priority, in order for reform to be a success and achieve the best outcomes for people affected by stroke. These include concerns about ambulance response times, workforce challenges, and required investment in post-hospital care to help people rebuild their lives after stroke.
Commenting on the Department of Health’s public consultation on reshaping stroke care, the Stroke Association’s Northern Ireland Head of Influencing and Communications, Brenda Maguire said:
“Stroke can change lives in an instant and it’s the third biggest killer in Northern Ireland. There is clear evidence that reshaping stroke services works – creating larger Hyper Acute Stroke Units (HASUs) with the equipment and experts to treat stroke patients, all day, every day, as well as creating more sustainable services. We believe everyone affected by stroke should get the best treatment and care possible. Reforming Northern Ireland’s stroke services will save lives, reduce disability and help more people to get the support they need to rebuild their lives after stroke. That’s why we’re urging the Department of Health to carefully consider all responses to the consultation, and to implement the preferred model as quickly as possible and in partnership with the stroke community”.
Find out more
Information on the consultation can be found on the DoH’s page.
You can read a summary of the Stroke Association’s response to the consultation. We also have an accessible version.
For more information on the consultation and the Stroke Association’s response please, contact Cathy Brolly (Policy and Public Affairs Officer) by emailing cathy.brolly@stroke.org.uk