Stroke concern rising amid coronavirus crisis

Concerns are mounting that people across the UK who have a stroke are not calling 999 amid the coronavirus pandemic.

With stroke striking every five minutes, the Stroke Association fears that thousands of people could be at risk of severe disability, or even stroke-related death, if they don’t Act FAST on stroke symptoms.

Latest figures from Public Health England showed attendance to Emergency Departments in England has dropped by 34.5 per cent on the same week last year, from 136,669 to 89,584. Figures from Public Health Scotland also report attendance to emergency departments having dropped by over a third on the same week last year. While figures for emergency admissions aren’t available yet, the charity and senior stroke professionals expect similar declines.

In 2019, there were almost 90,000 strokes in England alone. Meanwhile, almost 21,000 patients were admitted to hospital with a TIA/mini-stroke (transient ischemic attack). The charity warns that any delay in getting help will jeopardise your ability to rebuild your life after stroke.

Dr Deb Lowe, NHS National Clinical Director for Stroke and Consultant Stroke Physician at Wirral University Teaching Hospital, said: “We’re beginning to see some quite striking reductions in the number of people coming into hospital with the symptoms of stroke. It appears that people aren’t seeking emergency help or going to hospital when they suspect a stroke, possibly due to fear of the virus or not wanting to be a burden on the NHS.

“Stroke is a medical emergency and it’s essential that you call 999 straight away if you suspect you or someone around you is having a stroke. Our hospitals are equipped and ready to treat stroke patients. Given the emergency changes being made across the NHS, it’s possible that a patient’s treatment or journey might be a bit different while we put measures in place to deal with coronavirus safely. But these are to keep patients and NHS workers safe and the most important thing to remember is to dial 999 if you suspect a stroke.”

Juliet Bouverie, chief executive of the Stroke Association says: “The fear of contracting the virus or feeling like a burden on the NHS might be the main reasons putting people off seeking treatment. But I am reassured that the NHS is well equipped to treat both stroke and coronavirus. The best thing for you and the NHS, is to call 999 and say you (or the person in front of you) is having a stroke. Assume stroke until told otherwise.

“Equally concerning is people who experience mini-stroke and then dismiss it as ‘just a funny-turn’. A mini-stroke is a warning that major stroke is on its way, so you shouldn’t ignore the signs; and you need to seek help.By acting FAST and getting access to world-class treatments, you can help save lives. Acting FAST can also reduce the misery for thousands of stroke survivors and their families and the impact on the NHS associated with stroke, as the UK’s leading cause of adult disability. Now more than ever, during this pandemic we must remain focused on making and keeping stroke a priority for the UK.”