Tackle needless stroke deaths says MP
April 22, 2003 12:00 AM
Local MP Andrew Stunell is urging the government to drastically improve specialist aftercare services for stroke sufferers across Greater Manchester.
Mr Stunell said: "Services for stroke sufferers are woefully inadequate. At the current rate of improvement, it will take 73 years before every stroke patient is treated in a dedicated stroke unit. More should be done to prevent strokes and to treat those affected by strokes."
According to Mr Stunell GPs often cannot get suspected stroke victims into hospital for tests, leading to delay in treatment. In Stockport an estimated 200 people suffer a stroke each year. At least 10 stroke patients die each year due to inadequate specialist aftercare. Yet the Government is failing to prioritise the issue.
Andrew Stunell is backing plans set out in the National Services Framework for Older People asking the Government to ensure that everyone who has a stroke has access to diagnostic services and is treated appropriately by a specialist stroke service.
Mr Stunell said: "Many stroke sufferers are left disabled and isolated from their community. We must see more ambitious targets set for stroke care." ENDS
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