Dr Brian Iddon MP calls for a New Ambition for Stroke in Bolton South East

1st August 2007  

Dr Brian Iddon MP is today backing the Stroke Association’s call for his constituents to get involved in a major Government consultation on the future of stroke services in their area.

The standards of stroke services varies widely across England, and whilst a recent national survey has shown a general improvement in stoke care, over a third of people who have a stroke are still not treated on a stroke unit which can save lives and reduce disability.

The Government is developing a new National Strategy for Stroke aimed at modernising stroke prevention, treatment and care and a consultation document called “A New Ambition for Stroke” has been published so that people can have their say on how stroke services can be changed or improved.

Dr Iddon said

“There are many people in Bolton South East who have been affected by stroke. It is a devastating condition that can strike anyone at anytime and we urgently need to see improvement in stroke services and increased public awareness of the symptoms and risk factors for stroke.

The new National Strategy for Stroke will be much stronger if as many people as possible who have experience of stroke or an interest in stroke services, take part in the consultation process. This includes stroke survivors, their carers, family members and health and social care professionals”

Stroke is the third biggest killer in the UK and the biggest cause of adult disability. On average around 60,000 people each year are likely to die from stroke and at least 300,000 people are living with moderate to severe disabilities as a result of stroke in England. As the population ages these figures are set to increase.

2. The Department of Health published “A New Ambition for Stroke: A Consultation on the National Stroke Strategy” on 9^th July 2007. The consultation ends on 12^th October and The Stroke Strategy will be published after the consultation completes.

3. An easy access version of the document has been produced by the Department of Health to help stroke survivors and their carers take part.

4. The Stroke Association is the only UK Charity solely concerned with combating stroke in people of all ages. It is helping to distribute around 12,000 copies of the “easy access” consultation document to people all around the country. They are also available directly from the Department of Health on 08701 555455