Thank you for contacting me regarding making stroke a priority.
Stroke continues to have a devastating impact on the people of Wales, with it being the fourth leading cause of death In Wales and the single largest cause of complex disability. There are now almost 70,000 stroke survivors living in Wales, and I fully agree with you that they need all the support that can be mustered, particularly given that the number of stroke survivors living with disability is set to grow by a third by 2035.
Having personally raised this in the Senedd on several occasions (e.g. see attached), I understand how important it is that the entire stroke pathway – including prevention, life after stroke and, where applicable, end of life care – is all considered and given due focus if we are to truly transform the outcomes of people in Wales impacted by stroke. Moreover, given that the last ACT FAST campaign in Wales was ran in 2023, it is important that the Welsh Government does what it can to raise public awareness on the symptoms of stroke and the importance of getting help quickly.
My Welsh Conservative colleagues and I will continue to push the Welsh Government to make stroke a priority.