Stroke survivors need hospital care ‘FAST’

If not treated urgently, a person is at a higher risk of death or disability if they take a stroke than from Covid-19.

During the pandemic, stroke units have seen a slight reduction in the number of patients admitted with stroke.

Dr Brid Farrell, PHA, said: “Across Northern Ireland people are following the ‘stay at home’ advice, but we are concerned that many people are choosing to stay at home even when they need emergency care, out of fear of either contracting the virus or of adding additional stress to the health system at this time. There is strong evidence that stroke unit care followed by early supported discharge saves lives and reduces disability. Hospitals are safe and if you have an emergency, they are ready to care for you. They have the appropriate equipment, expertise, and protocols in place to help keep all patients safe — both those with Covid-19 and those without.”

Stroke is the third most common cause of death and one of the main causes of adult onset disability in Northern Ireland, but early diagnosis improves the chances of a good recovery.

If you think someone is having a stroke think FAST: Face – has it fallen on one side?; Arms – can they raise them?; Speech – is it slurred?; Time – if you notice any of these signs call 999 immediately.

Dr Farrell continued: “Stroke is a ‘brain attack’, which happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off and brain cells are damaged or die.

“A stroke is a medical emergency and requires immediate medical attention, so recognising a stroke and calling 999 is crucial.

“To be most effective, stroke treatments such as thrombolysis (clot dispersal) and thrombectomy (clot removal) are available for suitable patients early after the stroke has started and delays in seeking treatment can mean the patient will not be offered them.

“Many serious conditions such as stroke and heart attack can be successfully treated if patients receive care quickly - but could be devastating or fatal if treatment is delayed. Please do not delay seeking appropriate care out of fear of Covid-19. It could save a life.”

For further information on stroke visit www.pha.site/ActFAST.