Stroke patients are being let down by neglected services - Gidley

Commenting on the Public Accounts Committee report on access to stroke care, Liberal Democrat Health spokesperson Sandra Gidley MP said:

"This report shows that stroke services continue to be neglected, despite strokes being one of the top three causes of death in England and a greater risk to women than breast cancer.

"Stroke patients are being let down by a lack of quick access to diagnosis and treatment. Not only is this an appalling situation for the individuals concerned but it is also a false economy. If patients are not treated quickly their symptoms may become worse in the long term and cost more to treat.

"Given the huge financial and human impact of strokes, ministers must take steps to deliver quick access to high quality stroke services."