Tom Brake MP Calls for a New Ambition for Stroke In Carshalton and Wallington

4.21.42pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 31st Jul 2007

Tom Brake MP for Carshalton and Wallington 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.

That standard of stroke services varies widely across England, and whilst a recent national survey has shown a general improvement in stroke 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.

Speaking today Mr Brake said:

"There are many people in Carshalton and Wallington who have been affected by stroke. It is a crippling condition that can strike anyone at anytime. We need to see improvements 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 serious 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 sever disabilities as a result of stroke in England. As a population ages these figures are set to increase.

For further information on how to get involved in the consultation process, please contact The Stroke Association Campaigns Hotline on 020 7566 1510, e-mail campaigns@stroke.org.uk or visit the Campaigns section of The Stroke Association website at www.stroke.org.uk

ENDS

1. The Department of Health published "A new ambition for stroke: a consultation on the national stroke strategy" on 9 July 2007. The consultation ends on 12th October and The Stroke Strategy will be published after the consultation completes.

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

3. 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 around the country.

4. A stroke is a brain attack which causes brain damage. A stroke can be diagnosed by using FAST-facial weakness, Arm weakness, Speech problems, Test all three. If any of these symptoms are present call an ambulance straight away.