Written question WQ97806

We published the Quality Statement for Stroke in 2021, which sets out our ambition to reduce the risk of stroke, and, when it does occur, for people to have an excellent chance of surviving and returning to independence as quickly as possible.

As accountable organisations for the planning and delivery of services for their populations, including awareness campaigns and communication activities, I expect NHS organisations to use the quality statement to plan how services and activities are developed and delivered within their overall funding allocations from Welsh Government.

I expect plans to reflect relevant clinical and quality standards, and recommendations, including those in the National Review of Patient Flow: a journey through the stroke pathway, published by Healthcare Inspectorate Wales (HIW). NHS organisations are supported by NHS Wales Performance and Improvement to ensure these are embedded into workplans, and HIW have a process in place to follow-up on improvements being made in response to any recommendations they make.

Responding quickly when signs and symptom of stroke occur saves lives, prevents and reduces disability. The Welsh Ambulance Service has also introduced changes to its clinical response model to ensure people receive the right response when they dial 999. The new “Orange Now” category has been developed for serious conditions, which need face-to-face clinical assessment, tests and transfer to hospital or specialist care – for example, someone with symptoms suggestive of a stroke or heart attack.

Public Health Wales has been commissioned to explore the options for running a sustainable Act FAST campaign in collaboration with key partners such as Stroke Association Cymru, the Welsh Ambulance Service and NHS Performance and Improvement.