Stroke Association

Stroke Association response to the Office for National Statistics Analysis of death registrations not involving coronavirus (COVID-19), England and Wales: 28 December 2019 to 1 May 2020

Stroke specific stats at the end of this quote.

Juliet Bouverie, Chief Executive of the Stroke Association says:

“It’s devastating to see that stroke deaths have increased significantly in homes and care homes during the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic period. It is heart-breaking to see that in one week, more than double the usual stroke deaths were recorded in people’s homes. We hear daily from people affected by stroke about how the pandemic is affecting their lives, but these figures show that the virus’s impact reaches much further.

“We’ve heard concerns from many about accessing usual health services at this time. Whether through concerns about being a burden on the NHS, or fear of contracting coronavirus – many report delaying seeking emergency help. Our message is clear – the health service is still here for you, and we know NHS staff are working hard to increase the safety of patients during this period.

“We are only just getting an emerging picture of how the coronavirus is impacting people affected by stroke, at home, in care and in hospital. Whilst more data in coming months will help us to understand more fully how coronavirus is affecting lives, it’s becoming clear that the virus is taking a huge toll on those affected by stroke.”

“Stroke is a medical emergency. If you suspect you or someone around you is having a stroke, it’s still as important as ever to call 999 and seek urgent medical attention. It doesn’t matter who you are or whether you’re at home or in a care home, you have the power to save a life. Assume stroke until told otherwise. Act FAST: Face, Arms, Speech, it’s Time to call 999.

“Acting FAST makes sure you receive urgent medical attention, and access to time-sensitive, world-class treatments, reducing the misery for thousands of stroke survivors and the long-term impact on the NHS.”

END QUOTE

STROKE STATS FROM ONS REPORT

• -Stroke deaths registered at home were 54.52% higher than the five year average during the coronavirus pandemic period (Week 11-18).
• -The peak of these excess deaths in the home occurred on the week ending 3^rd April when over twice as many stroke deaths occurred compared to the 5 year average.
• -During the Covid-19 period, excess stroke deaths were 38.55% in care homes higher than the 5 year average.
• -The peak of these excess deaths in care homes occurred between 4th to 24th April when over 80% more deaths than the 5 year average were registered in care homes.

Signs of stroke - FAST

• Face: Can the person smile? Has their face fallen on one side?
• Arms: Can the person raise both arms and keep them there?
• Speech problems: Can the person speak clearly and understand what you say? Is their speech slurred?
• Time: If you see any of these three signs, it's time to call 999.

Baroness Karren Brady supports the Stroke Association’s appeal for ad space

The Stroke Association is asking brands and organisations with upcoming television or radio advertising space to consider donating airtime in the month of May and June, so that they can maintain awareness of stroke throughout the pandemic.

The charity’s recent press campaign ‘Stroke is an emergency during Covid-19’ encourages people to call 999 when they see or experience the signs of stroke. The news story revealed that fears over contracting coronavirus and not wanting to burden the NHS, are preventing people from seeking the emergency help they need. The success of this campaign saw stroke being referenced in the Government’s daily coronavirus update, as well as being reported across many print, broadcast and online media outlets. It is crucial to maintain the understanding that stroke is a medical emergency and dialling 999 is a necessity to reduce long term disability or death.

The UK’s leading stroke charity will use any donations of ad space to amplify their Rebuilding Lives campaign, which they plan to launch on 1 May, but they are having to do so with a reduced budget as a result of a dramatic reduction in charitable donations. The Rebuilding Lives TV advert recently came second in the Charity Film of the Year category at the Charity Film Awards and won the People’s Choice vote in its turnover category.

Some hospitals have also highlighted that stroke patients are currently being discharged from hospital beds sooner than normal as a precaution against coronavirus. However, with the UK in lockdown, this has meant that people are returning home without access to the support they need, which is jeopardising their recoveries. This in turn could see many more people returning to hospital unnecessarily and increasing pressure on the NHS’s already overstretched resources.

The Stroke Association is now working closer than ever with the NHS to try and help alleviate this pressure and prevent another crisis situation from developing. Among the proposals, the charity wants to ensure that those patients who leave hospital during lockdown, don’t feel abandoned. Larger organisations or companies can help the charity achieve one important goal by donating any ad space, to keep stroke a priority in people’s minds.

Dominic Brand, Executive Director of External Affairs says: “It’s really important that we all pull together to help support our NHS at this time. We’re working with NHS England to keep the message that stroke is still an emergency during Covid-19 in people’s minds. We are hoping that message will have an impact and more people will call 999 when they see the signs of stroke. But we can’t stop there. Nobody should ever feel abandoned after stroke and that’s why we’re asking for your help. There are some essential health messages that we need to deliver, but unfortunately, due to a dramatic reduction in charitable donations we worry that they will not be heard. As a charity, we’re committed to reaching more stroke survivors than we ever did before to offer our support. Rightly so, that’s where we’re investing our limited resources.

“It might be that your company purchased some ad space months ago and is now unable to use it for whatever reason. It could be that you bought a package of space and would be able to donate one of your slots. We need to be on TV and radio and with your help we can ensure that stroke is a priority and help stroke survivors rebuild their lives when they leave hospital.”

Stroke Association Ambassador Baroness Brady (Karren Brady) said: “It’s great that more people than ever are staying home to help prevent the spread of coronavirus. However, instead of seeking help for stroke when it strikes people are avoiding calling 999. This could be due to fear of the coronavirus.

“The Stroke Association needs you to help them keep stroke at the front of people’s minds. Their ability to raise funds is significantly impacted, so it’s time for businesses to step in and help. If you have any upcoming advertising space that you can donate to help this wonderful charity, you’ll be doing a vital service to make more people aware of the importance of stroke. The Stroke Association is providing even more support for stroke survivors and has also stepped in to help the ease the strain on the NHS, but now they need your help. Please do get in touch if you can support.”

Marketing departments can help by donating their unusable ad space or one of their slots to the Stroke Association’s Rebuilding Lives campaign.

Contact rebuildinglives@stroke.org.uk for more info or visit https://strk.org.uk/2S1lUF0

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Press enquiries: scott.weddell@stroke.org.uk