In 2017 the existing national stroke strategy expired – this strategy led to great improvements in stroke care including a reduction in mortality by 46% from 1990- 2010.  The UK Government stated that they had no intention of renewing it because improvement in stroke care was driven by existing cardio vascular plans.
 A New Era for Stroke was our campaign against this decision, arguing that the existing government strategies did not adequately address issues that are key to driving continual improvements in stroke care and addressing unwarranted variation.
We called for a commitment from the Department of Health (DH) and NHS England (NHSE) to develop a new national stroke plan for England to; address the unacceptable variation in stroke care and treatment; drive forward the reorganisation of stroke services and new advances in treatment as well as improve support for stroke survivors when they return home.
We utilised various ways to campaign for change, including: a petition which gained 55,000 signatures, 500 supporters writing to 300 MPs to push for support, bringing together the clinical community to support and develop content for a new plan and creating localised campaigning groups to engage MPs.
In response to our activity, the Medical Director of NHSE met with us and agreed to develop a plan with our support. The Health Minster also publicly stated his commitment. We are currently working with NHSE and DH to develop and launch the plan, which will improve the lives of Stroke Survivors and their families across England.

A NEW ERA FOR STROKE: THE STROKE ASSOCIATION’S CAMPAIGN SECURING A NATIONAL STROKE PLAN – IMPROVING THE LIVES OF STROKE SURVIVORS AND THEIR FAMILIES