Stroke campaign relaunch
THE re-launch of a stroke campaign has been welcomed by clinicians at the James Paget University Hospital.
The Act FAST campaign has raised awareness of the importance of getting people, who are having a stroke to hospital quickly, through its graphic depiction of stroke spreading like fire in the brain.
It provides a simple test to help people recognise the signs of a stroke and understand the importance of emergency treatment.
The faster a stroke patient receives treatment, the better their chances are of surviving and reducing long-term disability.
There are two types of stroke - a bleed from the brain or a clot which can lead to a loss of brain function and mini stroke called a TIA or transient ischemic attack. A patient who has either a stroke or TIA needs fast treatment.
The symptoms people should look out for are:
Face weakness - can the person smile? Has their mouth or eye drooped?
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Arm weakness - can they raise both arms?
Speech problems - can they speak clearly and understand what you say?
Time to call 999 - if they have any one of these symptoms, call an ambulance immediately.
Stroke specialist nurse Oliver Redmayne said: “The faster a stroke patient receives treatment, the better their chances are of surviving.
“It also reduces the risk of long-term disability. The Act FAST campaign has proven an effective campaign to help improve stroke outcomes.”
The hospital also provides a 24/7 Thrombolysis service enabling fast, effective round the clock treatment for stroke sufferers. The service provides the expert clinical advice of an experienced stroke consultant, to the A&E department of the hospital when needed.
