9. Welsh Conservatives Debate: Stroke

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:57 pm on 26 October 2022.

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Photo of Baroness Mair Eluned Morgan Baroness Mair Eluned Morgan Labour 5:57, 26 October 2022

(Translated)

I want to turn now to the other elements I mentioned. The stroke quality statement was published in September 2021. It sets out 20 quality benchmarks for stroke services. In June 2022, the chief executives of the health boards supported the establishment of a national stroke programme board, which will build on the work of the stroke action group. It will also ensure consistency in terms of the establishment of regional stroke centres, which used to be called acute stroke units, and regional stroke units. This board is now established. The first meeting was held on 13 October. It is chaired by Mark Hackett, the chief operating officer of Swansea Bay University Health Board. The members include senior representatives of health boards, the ambulance trust, the office of the commissioners of ambulance services in Wales, the Stroke Association and community health organisations and Welsh Government. The board is supported by a core team, including the national clinical lead for stroke in Wales, Dr Shakeel Ahmad. This is the mechanism that will oversee and motivate the transformation that we need to see for a sustainable stroke service in Wales, including looking into thrombectomy. It will ensure that we reach national standards and improve outcomes for patients who have suffered stroke. 

I heard Rhun ap Iorwerth and Jenny's calls that we need to improve communication with the public on this board. We all have a role to play, and the Welsh Government welcomes all opportunities to raise awareness of stroke so that people are familiar with the symptoms and can respond quickly. I had a meeting with the Stroke Association a fortnight ago, and we work closely with them to promote World Stroke Day on 29 October, and we are looking at other opportunities to raise awareness of the symptoms of stroke, including the FAST campaign. To conclude, I'd like to assure the Chamber that improving outcomes for stroke is a priority for Welsh Government, and I encourage the Chamber to support the motion, with the amendment proposed by Lesley Griffiths. Thank you.