Press release -
Comment: Today’s 10-Year Health Plan announcement
Juliet Bouverie OBE, CEO of the Stroke Association, said:
“Today’s 10-Year Health Plan marks the long overdue opportunity to bring about historic change across the NHS to better support people affected by stroke. Every day in the UK, 240 people wake up to the reality of life after stroke and the complex disability it can bring.
“We know how hard healthcare professionals work to care for stroke patients. But, despite their best efforts, stroke survivors have long been let down by a system that’s both disjointed and under-resourced. They have missed out on opportunities to get the care and support they need to rebuild their lives - that has to stop now.
“There’s real potential for newly announced initiatives to both reduce the number of people who have strokes and also better support the 1.4 million stroke survivors in the UK today. Stable and robust community rehabilitation, including vital six-month reviews and personalised care plans via neighbourhood health centres, could stop stroke survivors from being condemned to a life of long-term disability. As nine out of 10 strokes are preventable, smoking and weight management programmes, as prioritised in the Plan, could also reduce a person’s chance of having a stroke.
“As the Plan is implemented, innovations which are already working in parts of the UK could also be rolled out nationally. For example, pre-hospital video triage, which connects paramedics and in-hospital stroke specialists, could improve diagnosis and treatment times, reduce unnecessary hospital admissions, and minimise costly delays in care.
“Additionally, we are delighted that the Plan recognises the vital role charities play, so stroke survivors and their loved ones can be signposted straight to the help they need. Here at the Stroke Association, we support survivors and their loved ones across the country to recover and live well physically, mentally, and emotionally
“But a plan on paper isn’t enough. Real change means real action – and proper funding to make it happen. We also need a strong, joined-up cardiovascular disease plan that puts stroke front and centre – and delivers on the Government’s promise to cut stroke deaths and disability by 25% by 2035.”
Topics
Over 90,000 people survive a stroke every year in the UK, but surviving a stroke is just the start of a long and traumatic battle to finding their way back to life.
The Stroke Association is the only charity in the UK providing life-long support for all stroke survivors and their families. We provide tailored support to tens of thousands of stroke survivors each year, fund vital scientific research, and campaign to bring the best care and support for everyone affected by stroke.
Anyone affected by stroke can visit stroke.org.uk or call our dedicated Stroke Support Helpline on 0303 3033 100 for information, guidance or a chat when times are tough.
