Statement

GREATER ACTION NEEDED IN NORTH DOWN TO SUPPORT STROKE VICTIMS    

Posted on: June 2, 2009

“While many people’s attention has been rightly focused on killer diseases such as cancer and heart disease, it is important that the Health Department does not ignore the plight of stroke sufferers in Northern Ireland, and in particular their long term needs. This is particularly true in North Down, where we have the fourth highest incidence of strokes and death by strokes, anywhere in Northern Ireland per capita, whether measured by Council area or Constituency. The latest figures would suggest that last year over 1700 people in North Down suffered from strokes, including a number of young people. The campaign by the Stroke Association to highlight the early signs of a stroke and ensure swift intervention are to be commended, but that more can be done by the Department and the Trust to help the victims of Strokes, particularly in areas such as North Down. 

In particular, while there is good care for those who have suffered a recent stroke, for many the effects of a stroke can last for many years or even a lifetime, and there is a lack of provision and strategy in many cases for long term care needs. Often it is left to families to fill the gap in support. In particular there is a limited level of support for sufferers of aphaxia, which effects 1/3 of stroke sufferers. While there has been money pledged by the Department, it is vital that this is targeted in the correct manner. To that end I believe a needs assessment of stroke sufferers, must be carried out as soon as possible. It is also vital that the money promised is actually delivered, and so ring fencing of the money must be considered. Finally, we need a consistent approach across the Trust areas. It would be unacceptable to have stroke victims in one area or an other treated as second class citizens.”