Saving Stroke Victims Lives is not Enough

10.52.02am GMT Tue 11th Dec 2007

Responding to the Health Minister's latest written statement, on Stroke services Welsh Liberal Democrat Health Spokesperson Jenny Randerson said:"I welcome the establishment of a Stroke Partnership and the additional money. For too long Wales has failed to tackle Stoke as a true 'emergency'.

"Prompt treatment through methods such as thrombolysis can dramatically reduce deaths and long term disability from stroke - for this we need the dedicated stroke units the Minister refers to.

"However I will be writing to the Minister to emphasise the additional costs - both in monetary and quality of life terms - caused by inadequate and delayed rehabilitation for stroke patients. We need more physios and speech therapists both in the NHS and social services.

"Saving lives is not enough. We also have to save the quality of life."

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