South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SCAS) is delighted to be working with Oxfordshire University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUH) to provide a free talk to the public on the latest developments in stroke identification and care.
The talk will begin at 7pm on Thursday, 21 May, in Lecture Theatre 1 at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. Prior to this there will be basic life support demonstrations and opportunities to meet ambulance service staff from 6:30pm.
Attendees will hear how recognising the early warning signs of a stroke, rapid identification and pre-hospital treatment and hospital-based interventions can significantly improve the outcome for patients who suffer a stroke.
A stroke happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off, killing brain cells. The effects of a stroke depend on where it takes place in the brain, and how big the damaged area is. There are around 38,000 stroke-related deaths in the UK every year, and survivors can suffer permanent, life-changing disability.
A stroke can happen to any one of any age, but those at increased risk include people over the age of 50, people from a Black or South Asian background, or those living with existing conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes or sickle cell disease.
Professor Gary Ford, CBE, a consultant stroke physician at OUH as well as a non-executive director at SCAS, will be one of the experts speaking at the event. Professor Ford said: “Stroke is a medical emergency where every minute counts. Recognising the warning signs early and acting quickly can save lives and significantly improve outcomes. This talk will help people understand what to look for and what happens next, from the first response through to life-saving treatments in hospital.”
Dr Kirubananthan Nagaratnam, consultant stroke physician and geriatrician will also be one of the guest speakers. Dr Nagaratnam is the clinical lead for stroke medicine at the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust and for the Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Stroke Delivery Network.
Members of the public can find out more and book a place at the talk either by phone or email:
T: 01865 231 472
The talk precedes a stroke awareness campaign being run by SCAS throughout June, that will include personal experiences from stroke survivors as well as advice on how to identify potential stroke symptoms and how best to help a person who might be having a stroke whilst an ambulance is on its way.
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