North Wales MS Mark Isherwood has called on the First Minister to respond to calls by the Stroke Association in Wales to make the transformation of stroke services a programme for Government, for a bilingual and biennial 'Act FAST' campaign, and for specialist mental-health support for stroke survivors.
Speaking in yesterday’s meeting of the Welsh Parliament, Mr Isherwood highlighted the poor stroke outcomes in Wales and reiterated his previous calls for a renewed FAST campaign - Face, Arms, Speech, Time - by Public Health Wales to improve awareness of stroke symptoms and urge those experiencing these to call 999 as soon as possible.
Questioning the First Minister over what plans the Welsh Government has to improve stroke services, he said:
“When it comes to stroke outcomes, Wales currently ranks 21 out of 26 countries in Europe, with England positioned at 12. Almost three years ago, I led a Debate here on Stroke Services, stating that ‘the Stroke Association has also called for a renewed FAST campaign - Face, Arms, Speech, Time - by Public Health Wales to improve awareness of stroke symptoms and urge those experiencing these to call 999 as soon as possible’. Almost two years ago, I backed a motion here calling for a biennial 'Act FAST' campaign in Wales.
“Last year, I sponsored and opened the Wales Stroke Association Summit in the Senedd, highlighting that Stroke is estimated to cost NHS Wales £220 million annually, with a combined cost for all sectors of the Welsh economy of £1.63 billion, rising to £2.8 billion by 2035 if no action is taken to mitigate against this.
“How do you therefore respond to calls by the Stroke Association in Wales now: to make the transformation of stroke services a programme for Government; for a bilingual and biennial 'Act FAST' campaign, and for specialist mental-health support for stroke survivors?”
Outlining the Welsh Government’s plan to improve stroke services the First Minister said:
“Stroke is one of Wales's biggest killers, but 90 per cent of strokes are preventable. That's why our plan is bold, and that is better prevention, faster diagnosis, and world-class rehabilitation. Our quality statement for stroke set out that ambition in 2021. “
She also said that “things are improving”.
Speaking afterwards, Mr Isherwood said that the First Minister “outlined ambitions, not plans” in her response to his question.
He added:
“Stroke is the fifth single leading cause of death in Wales and the single largest cause of complex disability. A delay in getting treatment for stroke kills brain cells and can sadly prove to be fatal. The First Minister should therefore be acting on the calls of the Stroke Association in Wales with urgency.”