Suspect a stroke? Act F.A.S.T. Call 999
A Stroke is a blood clot or bleed in the brain which can leave lasting damage, affecting mobility, cognition, sight or communication. Risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking and diabetes.
Stroke has a major impact on individual lives and as well as the nation's health and economy. Over 100,000 strokes occur in England each year and a third of people who have a stroke are left with a long-term disability. Stroke is the second highest cause of death and most common cause of adult disability in London.
Like other vascular diseases such as heart disease, stroke is often preventable and there are now more treatment options available. For further advice on preventing a stroke see the NHS Choices website.
After stroke, individual recovery can be enhanced through specialist therapy and wider social support. Use the London Stroke Directory to find organisations that provide support following a stroke in your area of London.
The National Stroke Strategy (2007) is a ten-year plan released by the Department of Health, which sets a framework of 20 quality markers for raising the quality of stroke prevention, treatment, care and support.
This was followed by the Stroke Strategy for London This strategy is the framework for a coordinated London wide service, which looks to deliver improved quality stroke services that will save lives and reduce disability.
In response to the National Stroke Strategy, and to support the implementation of the new London stroke services, the Network is delivering projects within the following areas;