About the Network
The Northern Ireland Stroke Network aims to provide strategic direction and leadership to those involved in the development and delivery of stroke services in Northern Ireland. The remit of the Northern Ireland Stroke Network is to implement improvements in stroke services consistent with
- New Decade, New Approach (2020)
- Reshaping Stroke Services, Saving Lives, Reducing Disability (2019)
- Health & Wellbeing 2026, Delivering Together (2016)
- RQIA Review of Stroke Services (2014)
Much of this work is delivered through the NI Stroke Network subgroups. These provide the opportunity for multi professional teams to discuss and plan developments in stroke care. The NI Stroke Regional Steering Group oversees the work of NI Stroke Network subgroups in line with their agreed aims and objectives. It also provides support to enable informed decisions on the development and commissioning of stroke services.
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What is a Stroke?
Stroke is a common cause of death and disability in Northern Ireland. There are approximately 2,800 new strokes here every year, and while the majority of strokes occur in people over the age of 65, it can strike at any age, with 25% occurring in people under the age of 65.
A stroke is a serious life-threatening medical condition that happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off.
Strokes are a medical emergency and urgent treatment is essential.
The sooner a person receives treatment for a stroke, the less damage is likely to happen.
If you suspect that you or someone else is having a stroke, phone 999 immediately and ask for an ambulance.
If you suspect that you or someone else is having a stroke, phone 999 immediately and ask for an ambulance.
Causes of a stroke
Stroke occurs when blood supply to brain is interrupted or reduced. This deprives oxygen and nutrients supplied to the brain, causing brain cells to die.
There are 2 main causes of strokes:
- ischaemic – where the blood supply is stopped because of a blood clot
- haemorrhagic – where a weakened blood vessel supplying the brain bursts
There is also a related condition called a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) where symptoms occur as a result of a temporary lack of blood supply to the brain.
Typically, the symptoms last only a few minutes and then completely resolve. It is important you contact your GP or attend ED straight away so that you can be assessed at a TIA clinic as soon as possible.
Seek medical advice as soon as possible, even if your symptoms get better.
Certain conditions increase the risk of having a stroke, including:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Irregular heartbeats (atrial fibrillation)
If you suspect that you or someone else is having a stroke, phone 999 immediately and ask for an ambulance.
Contact us
If you have any questions, you can contact the Stroke Network NI by emailing: stroke.network@hscni.net