The Island’s MP Andrew Turner has welcomed the launch of the Government’s new national stroke strategy today. Mr Turner who himself suffered a stroke 12 months ago paid tribute to the stroke services available on the Island but pointed out that it was a service that suffered from a ‘postcode lottery’.
There Government will launch high profile public awareness campaign and the new strategy will demand that stroke victims are given faster access to emergency care with earlier brain scans and clot busting drugs to be administered where appropriate. Patients should also receive early assessment and appropriate care at a specialist stroke unit.
Some people suffer from transient ischaemic attacks, TIA or ‘mini-strokes’ and proper treatment of these can prevent full strokes leading to death or permanent disability. The warning signs of a stroke or TIA come on very suddenly and include numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body; confusion or trouble speaking or understanding, trouble seeing, walking, or sudden dizziness or severe headache. If you see any of these symptoms you should call 999 immediately. An estimated 150,000 people suffer a stroke in the UK each year and about 30% of sufferers die within 10 days.
Mr Turner said :
“The treatment stroke sufferers receive on the Isle of Wight is excellent but other areas of the country are not so fortunate. The Stroke Association estimates that stroke costs the UK economy £7 billion every year so if strokes can be prevented or treated properly there are real economic benefits as well as preventing pain, fear and distress to thousands of people.”
END Contact : Andrew Turner’s office 01983 530808
