HSE launches new Stroke public awareness campaign, highlighting the importance of timely intervention to improve survival and outcomes

The HSE today launched a new national TV, radio and digital campaign called ‘Every Second Counts’ highlighting that the second you suspect a stroke is the second you dial 999 or 112. The campaign reinforces knowledge and understanding of stroke symptoms while focusing on the importance of quick action when a stroke is suspected. It was developed with the support of stroke survivors alongside voluntary and community groups.

In Ireland, every year, around 7,500 people experience a stroke. About 90,000 people live with disability and the effects of stroke. Stroke is the third leading cause of death and the leading cause of acquired neurological disability. 1 in 4 of us will have a stroke.

The Irish National Audit of Stroke (INAS) found that in 2014, 73% of stroke patients reached hospital in the recommended timeframe. Currently, fewer than 50% of stroke patients arrive to hospital within three hours of symptoms starting - a critical window for lifesaving and disability-reducing treatments. This new 3-year evidence-based awareness campaign builds on previous shorter awareness campaigns to ensure more people understand the critical importance of getting early treatment.

Professor Rónán Collins, HSE National Clinical Lead for Stroke, said:

“Every second counts when it comes to stroke. We know that public awareness of the symptoms has improved thanks to previous FAST campaigns, but many people still hesitate before calling an ambulance. This new campaign is designed to close that gap - to make sure the second you suspect a stroke is the second you dial 999 or 112. Doing so saves lives and reduces disability.”

The campaign also continues to emphasise the established F.A.S.T. acronym:

• Face - Has the face drooped or become weak on one side?
• Arm - Has an arm become suddenly weak or clumsy on one side?
• Speech - Has speech suddenly become slurred or confused in nature?
• Time - Time to act FAST: phone 999 or 112 for an ambulance immediately.

Siobhán McGrath, was a fit and healthy 34-year-old Dublin senior ladies' football team player when she had a stroke three years ago. She says:

“I didn’t realise at first that I was having a stroke, and I waited before seeking help. I now know that not acting FAST delayed my recovery. This campaign is vital in helping people act immediately when they spot the signs.”

Improving public awareness is one key recommendation of our National Stroke Strategy. Another area where we are making real progress is in early stroke rehabilitation. The HSE will shortly publish a new report, Early Supported Discharge (ESD) for Stroke 2022 to 2023. ESD means stroke survivors have therapy, social work and nursing support at home so they can leave hospital earlier. They are more independent, spend less time in hospital and are more likely to avoid long-term residential care. Early supported discharge (ESD) also improves bed capacity in stroke units. More than 800 people benefited from the initiative in 2023. This is an increase from 370 patients in 2019 with the expansion of ESD teams to 11 sites, where a median of 22% patients are now discharged via ESD.

Speaking on ESD, Professor Rónán Collins explained that this model of care enables stroke survivors to begin their recovery at home sooner, providing multidisciplinary treatment and support to help manage this vulnerable time of transition between hospital and home.

Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, said:

“Stroke is a medical emergency which can result in damage to the brain and long-term disability. However, we have very effective treatment options when these are provided quickly. If you or a loved one notice any one of the FAST signs and symptoms, it is essential to call emergency services immediately on 112 or 999. Every second counts.

This campaign is a major milestone on our journey to future-proofing our stroke services. We know the incidence of stroke is expected to rise significantly in coming decades. That is why, through the National Stroke Strategy, we are investing in Ireland’s longest sustained public awareness campaign. This investment is part of over €13 million invested in the National Stroke Strategy since 2022.

Our network of Early Supported Discharge Teams are expanding across the country, with 11 teams now enabling stroke survivors to access rehabilitation at home. This is expected to rise to 15 teams by the end of 2025, meaning we are on track to delivering 21 teams nationally as envisaged within the National Stroke Strategy.

“Early Supported Discharge provides an essential support, ensuring that more people are not just living longer, but living to their full potential after a stroke. By delivering more care in people’s homes, we are also freeing up space in our hospital stroke units.”

Look out for the campaign on TV, radio and online, and the key message:

‘The second you suspect a stroke is the second you dial 999 or 112’.

For more information, visit www.hse.ie/stroke.