Press release -
Northern Ireland stroke professionals praised for their ‘tireless’ work for patients
More than 150 stroke professionals from across Northern Ireland came together to share insights on improving treatments for stroke patients.
The Stroke Professionals Conference, hosted by the Stroke Association on Wednesday, brought together nurses, occupational therapists, consultants, physiotherapists and other specialists from across a range of stroke care.
They heard the Health Minister Mike Nesbitt praise them for their commitment for working tirelessly to improve outcomes for patients.
He said: “I was pleased to attend the Stroke Association's conference where I had the opportunity to meet professionals working in this vital area, as well as those with lived experience of stroke.
“I very much welcome the solid progress that has been made against a range of priorities set out in the Stroke Action Plan and commend all those who have worked tirelessly to bring about improvements.
“While I am deeply frustrated that the current budget position has meant that we have been unable to move at the pace we would like and that we have been unable to realise our ambition of expanding thrombectomy to a 24/7 service, it remains important that we push ahead where possible. In this context, our focus for the next 12 months will be on the actions which can be progressed within the resources that are available."
The Stroke Association is the only stroke specific charity in NI providing lifelong support for all stroke survivors and their families.
Its Northern Ireland Director Alasdair O’Hara said, “We were delighted to have so many dedicated stroke professionals with us sharing current information, emerging research and the latest procedures.
“We’re especially grateful to the stroke survivors who shared their personal experiences to inspire those who treat the 4,000 people who are admitted to hospital here with stroke every year.”
The conference, at the Dunadry Hotel, Antrim, was co-hosted by NIMAST, the Northern Ireland Multidisciplinary Association of Stroke Teams, a charitable organisation bringing together professionals from health and social care, the voluntary sector, education and research who have an interest in providing, delivering and improving stroke care.
The Stroke Association also used the conference to promote its stroke support helpline 0303 3033 100 which provides stroke survivors and carers with information and guidance on a wide range of stroke related issues.
The Stroke Association’s website www.stroke.org.uk/northern-ireland also offers a wide range of information and the ability to connect and chat with other stroke survivors and carers.
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About the Stroke Association
- Over 4,000 people survive a stroke every year in NI, but surviving a stroke is just the start of a long and gruelling recovery journey.
- Mums, dads, grandparents, young people, even children – anyone can have a stroke, and its impact is traumatic.
- Brain damage, caused by a stroke, can leave survivors unable to move, see, speak or even swallow.
- 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 secure the best care 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.
- You can follow us on X, Facebook , Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn
