Spot A Stroke Campaign Launches Across Herts And Beds, England

Main Category: Stroke
Article Date: 16 Dec 2008 - 0:00 PDT

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Spot a Stroke campaign launches across Herts and Beds to help tackle the UK's third biggest killer.

Every five minutes someone in the UK suffers a potentially deadly stroke. That's more than 100,000 people every year, 1,000 of which are under 30 years old.

It's an undeniably gloomy picture but it doesn't have to be this way. The quicker a stroke is spotted and treated by specialists, the better the chance of survival and recovery.

If more people were aware of the warning signs and symptoms then thousands of lives could potentially be saved.

This is why NHS primary care trusts across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Luton have teamed up with their local hospitals to launch Spot a Stroke - a stroke awareness campaign aimed at giving people the knowledge that could save not only their own life, but that of a friend, relative or total stranger.

A dedicated website, www.spotastroke.nhs.uk and information line, 01234 792032 was launched today Monday (December 8) and will include vital information about spotting strokes, as well as FAQs, patient stories, photos and general information. People should also look out for the campaign's adverts on the sides of buses in their area.

Dr R. Farag, Consultant physician in stroke medicine based at Hemel Hempstead General Hospital said: "The outlook for patients who suffer a stroke has changed dramatically in the last few years. Now they are given the highest priority from the moment someone dials 999. Ambulance crews are quick to spot a possible stroke.

"However, what we need people to understand is that early treatment can make a very significant improvement in reducing and minimising the disability from stroke and some can make a near full recovery, but only if the signs are spotted early and the patient receives emergency care as quickly as possible.

"Friends and family who react quickly and dial 999 also make all the difference. They may need to over-rule the patient who sometimes fails to recognise what is happening to them.

"The crucial thing is speed of response in the first vital minutes. Remember… Time is Brain!"

FAST - Face Arm Speech Test is used by paramedics to diagnose a stroke before someone is admitted to hospital so they can then be referred to a specialist stroke unit as quickly as possible.

The Stroke Association FAST message requires an assessment of three specific symptoms of stroke:

-- Facial weakness - can the person smile? Has their mouth or eye drooped?
-- Arm weakness - can the person raise both arms?
-- Speech problems - can the person speak clearly and understand what you say?
-- Time to call 999

Dr Jane Halpin, Hertfordshire's Director of Public Health said: "Reducing the number of deaths from stroke is a key priority for the NHS. It is vital that everyone knows how to recognise the symptoms of a stroke so they get the right treatment quickly. If you suspect a stroke, don't delay, call 999."

Stroke facts -- All stroke patients are admitted to the stroke unit and looked after in the high dependency zone.

-- Local services have been developed to deliver a fast response.

-- It is estimated that more than 4,000 people in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Luton suffer a stroke every year.

-- Most people affected are over 65, but anyone can have a stroke, including children and even babies. Around 1,000 people under 30 have a stroke each year.

-- Stroke is the third most common cause of death in the UK. It is also the single most common cause of severe adult disability. More than 250,000 people in the UK live with disabilities caused by stroke.

-- A stroke is a frightening experience for both the stroke person and their family. It involves a lot of immediate medical treatment and sometimes months or years of ongoing rehabilitation.

West Herts Hospitals NHS Trust
www.westhertshospitals.nhs.uk

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