Stroke services and awareness

A stroke is the third most common cause of death in the UK and also the leading cause of severe disability. But how many can recognise the symptoms, or know what to do? What level of care can stroke patients in East Sussex expect? And could it be better?

These are some of the issues examined in a major investigation into local NHS stroke care services.

This project was run by the East Sussex Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee (HOSC). HOSC is a group of local councillors charged with monitoring local health services, and making recommendations to the local NHS on how things could be improved.

Who took part?

The Committee asked for the views of local people, especially anyone with first-hand experience of stroke care services in East Sussex. The scrutiny review included:

  • asking patients and carers about their experiences
  • talking to health, social care and voluntary sector professionals about the services they provide
  • asking the East Sussex Residents' Panel to complete a survey about their knowledge of strokes, and better ways to help improve awareness
  • asking readers of Your County magazine to email comments to the scrutiny review team.

HOSC also carried out a review of existing research about strokes.

Results

Residents' Panel – Stroke awareness survey

In November 2008 our residents' panel completed a survey by post or online to tell HOSC how much they know about the symptoms of stroke, what action to take, and what they can do to reduce the risk of having a stroke.

We received 1,159 responses, giving a response rate of 61%.

  • Although many respondents are well informed about possible stroke symptoms a quarter of respondents don't know any symptoms. A further 17% of respondents named less than three possible symptoms (the three key stroke symptoms are face weakness, arm weakness and speech problems).
  • The majority of respondents (81%) correctly identified that if they thought they were having a stroke they would call 999.
  • Most respondents feel that direct advice from GPs to those at higher risk of a stroke is the most effective stroke prevention strategy.
  • 71% of respondents see it as their personal responsibility to take steps to minimise the likelihood of having a stroke, while around 19% see the GP as having the primary responsibility.

Reports and recommendations

Feedback from the surveys have been combined with the other findings from the review of stroke care. The scrutiny committee has used this information to make recommendations to the NHS about improving stroke services in East Sussex.

The final report details 20 recommendations for change. It's written in plain English and includes useful background facts and figures, case studies and comprehensive references. You can download it from the HOSC website:

Other stroke services