Dear Editor,
re: Stroke patients need access to best care possible
As many of your readers will know, stroke is devastating and affects more than 4000 people each year in Northern Ireland.
Stroke is a leading cause of disability, but unfortunately many stroke survivors and their families struggle to access the services and long-term support they need.
At the Stroke Association, we believe every stroke patient should have access to the best possible treatment and care. Despite the substantial progress which has been made and the many dedicated health professionals in Northern Ireland, our stroke services are lagging behind other parts of the UK.
Independent reports  have found that Northern Ireland has no seven day stroke therapy service and inadequate rehabilitation and long-term support in the community. Too many stroke survivors tell us they struggle to access services such as physiotherapy, speech therapy and emotional support, and that this hampers their recovery. Stroke patients living in Northern Ireland deserve better.
Over the last two months Health and Social Care have been asking stroke survivors, families, carers and the public to share their ideas and concerns on how to reshape our stroke services. This is an opportunity for everyone to have their say and help create a new model of stroke care that will reduce disabilities, save lives, and enhance life after stroke for everyone.
There will be a public meeting on 13 September in The Downshire Hospital, Downpatrick from 6.30 – 8.30pm and we would like to encourage your readers to get involved. For further information go to:
The Stroke Association provides services, support and grants for everyone affected by stroke in Northern Ireland. To find out more visit:
www.stroke.org.uk/ni or call 028 9050 8020.
Yours,
Barry Macaulay.
(NI Director of the Stroke Association).
