The introduction of new measures to prevent stroke and improve care pathways for stroke victims needs to be much higher on the political agenda, a conference recently held in London was told.
The conference was sponsored by Dr Ian Gibson MP who emphasised that all those interested in improving stroke care services across the UK need to speak with one voice and take a coordinated path in campaigning for improvement.
Dr Gibson underlined the need for healthcare professionals to interact with politicians and the political process in order for progress to be made.
He said that key messages of improving rapid access to services, prompt and accurate diagnosis, correct treatment, and effective after care had to be communicated to policy makers.
The campaign to drive forward improvements was at an early stage, he stated, adding that those involved should avoid negativity about the possibility of changing attitudes and making progress. High profile events would help increase understanding of stroke issues.
Stroke now needed to be treated in the same way as some other killer conditions, the services for which were better resourced and were given greater priority, he said.
Stroke, today, was where cancer was a decade ago on political and media fronts, and important lessons needed to be learned from the progress clinicians and campaign groups in other areas had achieved, Dr Gibson told the conference. • See page 57 for a report on the conference.
