The long awaited national cardiovascular strategy, which was originally promised almost two years ago, is due before Cabinet next week, Heath Minister, Mary Harney, has confirmed.

Ms Harney made the announcement at the 13th annual stroke conference, which was hosted by the Irish Heart Foundation (IHF) Council on Stroke. The strategy, which was originally promised in May 2008, will include stroke for the first time.

“For nearly two years, the IHF has called for the publication of the national cardiovascular strategy. We welcome the Minister’s news that the policy is imminent and hope it will mean significant improvements to stroke services for nearly 10,000 patients around the country,” commented IHF chief executive, Michael O’Shea.

More than 2,000 people die every year in Ireland as a result of stroke. That is more than the number of deaths from breast, prostate and bowel cancer combined. Stroke is the leading cause of acquired adult disability in Ireland and an estimated 30,000 people are currently living with a stroke-related disability.

“It is important that the Government shows commitment and backs up the strategy with the necessary funding. This will significantly reduce death and disability from the third biggest killer in this country,” Mr O’Shea said.

According to Dr Frances Horgan, chairperson of the Council on Stroke, one in five people will have a stroke in their lifetime and currently in Ireland, at least one avoidable death from stroke occurs every single day.

“The quality of our stroke services will directly or indirectly affect just about everyone living here,” she emphasised.

Also speaking at the conference, IHF head of advocacy, Chris Macey, outlined plans to launch a national FAST campaign, to increase awareness of the symptoms of stroke and to highlight the need for emergency treatment in hospital for anyone suspected of having a stroke.

FAST refers to the main symptoms of stroke:
-Facial weakness
-Arm weakness
-Speech problems
-Time to call 999

More than 200 experts attended the stroke conference, which was held in Dublin’s Croke Park.