Minister invests £14million on stroke services

People who have suffered from stroke are to benefit from a £14million investment in services the Health Minister has said.

Speaking as he met staff and patients at the Care of the Elderly Unit at the Ulster Hospital in Dundonald, Michael McGimpsey revealed his strategy to improve existing services and treatment for stroke patients.

The minister said: “I clearly recognise the seriousness of stroke as a medical emergency and benefits to sufferers of early diagnosis and treatment. Every year almost 4,000 people in Northern Ireland are affected by stroke which has a dramatic impact on their lives and the lives of their families and carers.

“I have allocated £2million, £3million, £9million over the next three years and £9million recurrently from year four towards enhancing stroke services. This money will be used to strengthen the infrastructure, staffing and training and generally improve the range of treatment, care and support available to stroke sufferers, their families and carers.

“Following consultation I have now fully considered all of the responses and have agreed final proposals to improve stroke services across Northern Ireland.

“I am aware that achieving this will require a significant service re-organisation and re-design so that the whole system, including primary, community, secondary, voluntary and independent sectors as well as other statutory bodies, work collaboratively, in partnership with users and carers, to provide a more responsive, patient focused and effective service for stroke patients and their families."

The minister also emphasised the need to raise awareness of stroke: “At least 40% of strokes are preventable but people are not aware of the risk factors and warning signs associated with stroke. A significant number of strokes can be avoided by people making changes to their lifestyles; taking more exercise, drinking less alcohol and paying more attention to diet.

“While changes in lifestyle can a make a difference, there are other factors which make a stroke more likely such as high blood pressure and a history of heart attack."

A regional implementation group is being established to take forward the recommendations on a regional basis.

Notes to Editors:

1. A stroke is the brain equivalent of a heart attack. It happens when part of the brain is deprived of blood. Blood carries oxygen and essential nutrients to the brain and disruption to this blood supply can cause brain cells to die.
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