Urgent medical care for stroke essential

If not treated urgently, a person is at a higher risk of death or disability if they take a stroke than from COVID-19.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, stroke units have seen a slight reduction in the number of patients admitted with stroke.

Dr Brid Farrell, Consultant in Public Health Medicine at the PHA, said: “Across Northern Ireland people are following the ‘stay at home’ advice, but we are concerned that many people are choosing to stay at home even when they need emergency care, out of fear of either contracting the virus or of adding additional stress to the health system at this time.

“There is strong evidence that stroke unit care followed by early supported discharge saves lives and reduces disability.

“Hospitals are safe and if you have an emergency, they are ready to care for you.

“They have the appropriate equipment, expertise, and protocols in place to help keep all patients safe — both those with COVID-19 and those without.”

Stroke is the third most common cause of death and one of the main causes of adult onset disability in Northern Ireland, but early diagnosis improves the chances of a good recovery.

The PHA’s FAST campaign raises public awareness of the signs and symptoms of stroke, and highlights actions to take if you think someone is having one, in an easy to remember way:

Face – Has it fallen on one side?

Arms – Can they raise them?

Speech – Is it slurred?

Time – If you notice any of these signs make the call, Dial 999