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Improving Stroke and TIA Services - Let us know your views

This consultation closed on 25th February 2009.

About Stroke

Strokes are a kind of brain attack. They are caused by a blood clot or bleeding in the brain. Strokes have a huge effect on people who have them and upon their families.

Strokes can cause death or disability. They can affect someone’s ability to communicate as well as cause physical and mental damage. They also cost the country a lot of money. Until recently, stroke has not been treated seriously enough. Even a Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA) is a warning that the patient can suffer a subsequent full-blown stroke.

It is critical therefore to recognise the symptoms of stroke quickly and dial 999. The FAST test is a simple assessment of three specific symptoms of stroke.

1. Facial weakness - can the person smile? Has their mouth or eye drooped?
2. Arm weakness - can the person raise both arms?
3. Speech problems - can the person speak clearly and understand what you say?
4. Time to call 999

The National Stroke Strategy

The National Stroke Strategy is the NHS plan to make sure that stroke services in England are the best they can possibly be. The aim of the strategy is to:

• Reduce the number of strokes
• Give better information about strokes and how to prevent them
• Give the right help quickly in emergencies
• Act quickly to prevent a bigger stroke when someone has a minor stroke or TIA
• Give the best medical care so that people will get better
• Support people to live independently
• Involve people who have had a stroke and their carers in planning services

Improving Stroke and TIA Services Locally

NHS Sheffield and the other Primary Care Trusts in North Trent are working together to implement the National Stroke Strategy. To decide how best to improve services for the local population we would now like to ask people who are survivors of stroke, their carers and the general public what they think of our plans.

We would like to have your views on our plans to improve Emergency Stroke and TIA Services, and rehabilitation services. We would be very grateful if you would take time to provide us with your feedback.

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