Stroke awareness campaign launched

A three-year 12 million pounds communications campaign to promote public awareness of stroke has been unveiled.

Due for launch in February next year, the scheme will be supported by public relations, advertising and direct marketing and will teach the public and NHS staff to remember FAST – Face Arm Speech Time to call 999.

This is hoped to allow people to recognise the symptoms of stroke and understand prompt emergency treatment can reduce the risk of death and disability.

Stroke is the loss of brain function due to a blood clot or bleed in the brain and is the third leading cause of death in the UK.

Health Minister Ann Keen said: “We want to build on ? progress by helping the public to recognise the symptoms of stroke and dial 999 quickly.”

“This campaign will give people a better understanding of stroke and the importance of fast treatment.”

She went on to say it will save more lives and prevent more long-term disabilities.

In other news, illustrators have teamed up with children’s laureate Michael Rosen to provide artistic contributions to mark the NHS’s 60th birthday.

An accompanying anniversary poem has also been written, called “these are the hands”, with drawings by artists including Nick Sharatt and Tony Ross.