ActFAST stroke campaign praised by Department of Health

The Department of Health remains positive on the success of the ActFAST stroke campaign, with figures showing an impact on the number of stroke sufferers who subsequently receive urgent medical attention.

Reporting a 16 per cent rise in the number of stroke sufferers being seen quicker and a 24 percent rise in calls, the campaign appears to have made ground in the most important area of stroke treatment, in the likelihood of patients getting to hospital as FAST as possible.

The key symptoms of stroke the ActFAST campaign encourages families, loved ones and carers to look out for are: facial weakness, arm weakness and speech problems.

Commenting on the success of the campaign, Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said, ‘Stroke is the third leading cause of death in England each year and the leading cause of disability. The ActFAST campaign has proved it works and we are confident the ActFAST campaign will once again have a very positive impact for people suffering from stroke.’

The campaign’s success means more TV adverts are now prepared and health professionals, including the Stroke Association, are optimistic that more lives will be saved and more individuals will avoid having to move into long-term care because of a resulting disability.

In facing the challenges of an ageing populace, care sector capabilities will benefit from any success in preventing stroke sufferers needing to move into permanent residential care.