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Stroke Association comment on ambulance wait times

Press release -

Stroke Association comment on ambulance wait times

Charlotte Nicholls, Head of Policy at the Stroke Association said: “Stroke is a medical emergency. Stroke strikes every five minutes and is the fourth biggest cause of death and the leading cause of adult disability. Treatment for stroke is time sensitive, so getting the best treatment quickly is vital to survival and recovery. Every minute a stroke is left untreated, 1.9 million brain cells can die. The later treatment happens, the harder recovery can be for survivors and the more likely it is that they will be left with severe effects of stroke, including increased disability.

“Paramedics should aim to respond to a suspected stroke in 18 minutes. Yet unprecedented system-wide pressures are now severely compromising ambulance response and hospital treatment times, despite the tireless efforts of health professionals. We are gravely worried about the impact this is having on people experiencing a stroke and we are now hearing from people who missed treatment, that would have reduced the disability they’re now left with.

“It’s essential the current complex pressures on emergency services are addressed immediately with more resources and funding ahead of this winter, to allow for quicker dispatch of ambulances, transfer to hospital and handover at A&E. And it’s vital that people continue to call 999 as soon as they spot the signs of a stroke.”

Topics


  • Stroke strikes every five minutes in the UK and it changes lives in an instant.
  • The Stroke Association is a charity working across the UK to support people to rebuild their lives after stroke. We believe that everyone deserves to live the best life they can after stroke. From local support services and groups, to online information and support, anyone affected by stroke can visit stroke.org.uk or call our dedicated Stroke Helpline on 0303 3033 100 to find out about support available locally.
  • Our specialist support, research and campaigning are only possible with the courage and determination of the stroke community and the generosity of our supporters. With more donations and support, we can help rebuild even more lives.
  • You can follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Contacts

Angela Macleod

Angela Macleod

Press contact Communications Officer Scotland press and Stroke Association research communications 0131 555 7244
Laura Thomas

Laura Thomas

Press contact Communications Officer Wales 07776508594
Ken Scott

Ken Scott

Press contact Press Officer North of England and Midlands 0115 778 8429
Daisy Dighton

Daisy Dighton

Press contact Press Officer London and East of England 02079401358
Martin Oxley

Martin Oxley

Press contact Press Officer South of England 0207 566 1548
Vicki Hall

Vicki Hall

Press contact PR Manager Fundraising and local services 0161 742 7478
Scott Weddell

Scott Weddell

Press contact PR Manager Stroke policy, research and Northern Ireland 02075661528
Katie Taylor

Katie Taylor

Press contact Head of PR & Media This team is not responsible for booking marketing materials or advertising
Out of hours contact

Out of hours contact

Press contact Media queries 07799 436008
Kate Asselman

Kate Asselman

Press contact Artist Liaison Lead 07540 518022
Tell us your story

Tell us your story

Press contact 07799 436008

The UK's leading stroke charity helping people to rebuild their lives after stroke

The Stroke Association. We believe in life after stroke. That’s why we campaign to improve stroke care and support people to make the best possible recovery. It’s why we fund research to develop new treatments and ways to prevent stroke. The Stroke Association is a charity. We rely on your support to change lives and prevent stroke. Together we can conquer stroke.

Stroke Association
City Road
EC1V 2PR London
UK