New data suggests that people put off seeking help for stroke during pandemic

The ACT F.A.S.T. campaign – which urges individuals to act without hesitation for both themselves and on behalf of others - has been re-launched, and Public Health England (PHE) is urging everyone to take immediate action on seeing any stroke symptoms to save lives.

Data from the early phase of the Covid-19 pandemic last year shows that admissions to hospital for stroke fell in the first wave, a 13% drop between March - July 2020.

PHE data shows the average yearly stroke-related deaths for all ages between 2017-2019 is 4,017 in the North West, a rate of 58.7 per 100,000 population, which is significantly higher than the England national average rate (54.5).

Stroke is a medical emergency and anyone experiencing symptoms should seek urgent help. Early treatment not only saves lives but results in a greater chance of a better recovery, as well as a likely reduction in permanent disability from stroke.

PHE, supported by the Stroke Association, relaunched the Act F.A.S.T. campaign on Tuesday (9 March) reminding people of the symptoms of stroke and why urgently calling 999 is vital in saving lives.

Stroke is the fourth single leading cause of death in the UK and the single largest cause of complex disability.

Stroke is a time-sensitive condition which means that any hesitancy and delay in getting treatment kills brain cells and has sadly, and unnecessarily, proven to be fatal in the early phase of the pandemic.

Think and act F.A.S.T., the signs of stroke are:

• Face – has their face fallen on one side? Can they smile?
• Arms – can they raise both their arms and keep them there?
• Speech – is their speech slurred?
• Time – time to call 999/are they having speech difficulties?

Dr Andrew Furber, Regional Director at PHE North West, says: “Stroke is a medical emergency and is still one of the leading causes of death in England.

“It is vital people know how to spot the signs of stroke and if they have any concerns about any early signs whatsoever to call an ambulance immediately - don’t wait until a second potentially more fatal stroke hits. Acting fast and getting treatment will help save lives and prevent people from severe disability.”

There are around 100,000 strokes a year in the UK - at least one stroke every five minutes sadly causing about 34,000 deaths per year.

On average, people of black African, black Caribbean and South Asian descent in the UK have strokes at an earlier age. With Covid-19 disproportionately affecting these groups, there’s an even greater need to ensure that they aren’t being affected by other conditions. The campaign includes specific activity targeted at communities from ethnic minorities.

Juliet Bouverie, Chief Executive of the Stroke Association, says: “Acting FAST is the biggest thing you can do to save a life. As soon as you see any of the signs of stroke in yourself or someone else, you need to call 999.

“Last year we saw thousands of people with suspected stroke put off calling 999 due to fear of catching Covid-19 or being a burden on the NHS. People could now be living with more severe disability than they otherwise would because they put off calling 999.

“That’s why you need to know that acting FAST and calling 999 saves lives.”

Some other signs of stroke or mini stroke can include:

• Sudden loss of vision or blurred vision in one or both eyes
• Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of your body (including in your leg)
• Sudden memory loss or confusion
• Sudden dizziness, unsteadiness, or a sudden fall, especially with any of the other signs

The Act F.A.S.T. campaign includes TV, Video on Demand, radio, social media, partnerships and PR activity. Activity will also be targeted to ethnic minorities, working with community groups and using multicultural radio and TV channels. Radio ads are available in English, Hindi and Punjabi. The campaign is working closely with charities that provide support to people who may be at risk of stroke and those who provide support to people who have had a stroke.

For information on stroke go to: www.nhs.uk/conditions/stroke