Members' news and events :: New Campaign Calls for Urgent Attention for Stroke

New Campaign Calls for Urgent Attention for Stroke

An important and positive new campaign to mobilise wider support for improved stroke prevention, treatment and care in Scotland was launched in May by The Stroke Association in Scotland.

The “Agenda for Action for Stroke in Scotland” sets out key areas where further improvements are required.

• Increased public awareness of stroke, as this saves lives
• Implementation of more effective stroke prevention measures, so there are far fewer strokes.
• Continuing provision of speedy and good quality acute treatment and rehabilitation for all stroke patients, to save lives and aid recovery.
• Improvements in the longer term care and support stroke survivors and their carers receive in the community, to maximise their quality of life after stroke.

Maddy Halliday, Director Scotland of The Stroke Association said: “Stroke is a major public health issue for Scotland. It is the leading cause of adult disability and third most common cause of death. Modifiable risk factors for stroke, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and obesity, are increasing in Scotland and these trends - combined with our growing elderly population - mean that the number of people at risk of stroke is growing. We must and can do more in Scotland to reduce people’s risk of stroke, even as they age.

Over the last 10 years there have been significant and welcome improvements in NHS acute stroke care in Scotland and, linked to these improvements, falling death rates due to stroke. But the quality of acute stroke care and rehabilitation across Scotland is variable and many areas do not currently meet all the national stroke clinical standards. Despite the financial pressures ahead, we must also do more to sustain and improve the quality of acute stroke care in Scotland.

It is important to pledge your support, The more people who pledge to support improvements in stroke, the more likely we will achieve the progress we so urgently need.”

More information about the Agenda for Action for Stroke in Scotland campaign and how people can pledge your support, is available from the Stroke Association’s website or by email