Plans launched to reshape stroke services in NI
A major public conversation in relation to reshaping stroke services across Northern Ireland has been launched today.
Over the next 13 weeks, Health and Social Care organisations, in conjunction with stroke survivors, carers, charities and staff, will be holding a series of meetings, engagements and workshops.
It comes as part of a pre-consultation process, to listen to a wide range of views and to discuss and debate how best to enhance stroke care for patients in Northern Ireland.
One stroke survivor, Gary Martin, has described services here as vital and says they saved him from further long term effects.
The 45-year-old from Derry suffered a stroke a year ago in Belfast and was rushed to hospital.
Although he carries no physical signs of having had such a major health scare, his long term injuries have effected some of his neurological functions.
"Having the stroke has made me appreciate life. I think it leaves you with an appreciation of the positive, and that's my message - to accentuate the positive and appreciate what you've got, no what you've lost," he said.
Dr Enda Kerr, from the Health and Social Care Trust, says one of the talking points they want to hear from the public on is after care for patients.
"One of the things that people say once they leave hospital - and it's something that's repeated time and time again by stroke survivors and their families - is that the support they get isn't as good as it could be.
I'm delighted to hear that of the 7 proposals that that's very much part of the picture that needs to be addressed," he said.
Meanwhile, leading charity The Stroke Association has also called for aftercare to be a priority.
Director Barry Mcauley says the current system is in drastic need of an overhaul.
"The research has presented that where people are based is critical, and what we have at the minute just isn't serving people with stroke, either at the acute or the longer term."
Every year here there are around 2700 hospital admissions and over 1000 deaths due to stroke, which can affect anyone at any age, anytime.
It is also the largest cause of acquired severe adult disability in Northern Ireland.
Death rates from stroke have declined by around 50% over the past 20 years, which is to be welcomed, and there has been significant investment and progress made in relation to a number of areas.
However, independent reports have highlighted that our services nonetheless fall below national standards and there is considerable scope for improvement.
For example, currently only around half of stroke patients in Northern Ireland are admitted to a stroke unit following assessment in an emergency department; a number of key services to help prevent, treat and provide specialist aftercare are not consistently available on a seven day basis; and stroke survivors have stressed that they find it difficult to access continued support after they leave hospital.
The pre-consultation was formally launched today at the Northern Ireland Stroke Conference, organised in partnership between the Northern Ireland Multidisciplinary Association of Stroke Teams (NIMAST) and the UK Stroke Forum (UKSF)