NATIONAL AUDIT OFFICE REPORT ON TREATING STROKES

Motion Text

That this House welcomes the publication of the National Audit Office's (NAO's) report on stroke, Reducing Brain Damage; believes that through treating stroke as a medical emergency much more can be done to ensure efficacy in stroke care; is concerned at the shortfalls identified in service provision, despite some recent progress; notes with concern the huge cost to society, the NHS and the wider economy that stroke represents each year; is disturbed at the large disparities in investment and service provision between stroke and coronary heart disease revealed in the report; shares the view of the NAO and the Stroke Association that stroke should be given a much higher priority by the Government and the NHS; and calls on the Government to take urgent action to address the NAO's recommendations, not least to tackle the alarming lack of awareness of stroke.