Stroke Calls up

The Department of Health's Act F.A.S.T. campaign has led to an increase of more than half (55.5%) in stroke calls to 999. New research published last month also showed that 84% of the public remember
the campaign and its graphic depiction
of stroke spreading like fire in the
brain.

The Act F.A.S.T. campaign has raised awareness of the importance of quick treatment to stroke survivors such as Owain Wyn-Jones, 30, from Shropshire, whose life was saved when his fiance Laraine Adams identified his face dropping and slurred speech as a sign of
stroke, having seen the campaign adverts.
Owain says his girlfriend's quick reaction
probably saved his life.

Commenting on the campaign, Health
Minister Ann Keen said: 'Stroke is still one of the biggest causes of death and disability in England. The Act F.A.S.T. campaign has clearly had a big impact already and I hope more people will now see it and learn when to act fast and save lives."

The Act F.A.S.T. campaign launched in
February this year recommenced last month
and it is hoped that the Act F.A.S.T campaign will continue to help increase awareness of stroke Direct stroke care costs the NHS £2.8 billion a year, with a further £1.8 billion lost in income and productivity as a result of disability.

The NHS has launched a new online test
to help people to recognise all the signs of stroke and prompt 999 calls when necessary.