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Also in June:
- Public encouraged to 'Know Your Pulse' to help prevent deaths from cardiac arrhythmias
- C.diff outbreak, Dr Gray's, Elgin - Update June 2
- Insch Medical Practice supports Carers Week 2009
- C.diff outbreak, Dr Gray's Elgin - Update June 5
- Moray Community Health and Social Care Partnership (MCHSCP)
- Statement from Grampian SCG
- Influenza A (H1N1) statement - 12 June 2009 17:40
- Influenza A (H1N1) statement - 14 June 2009 17:30
- Influenza A (H1N1) statement - 15 June 2009
- Influenza A (H1N1) statement - update 16 June 2009
- Hospital development passes another milestone
- Influenza A (H1N1) statement - 17 June 2009
- Influenza A (H1N1) statement - 18 June 2009
- Do You 'Know Who To Turn To' When You're Ill?
- National accolade for Aberdeenshire Community Nurses
- Physiotherapists host Falls Prevention Advice event
- Influenza A (H1N1) statement - 19 June 2009
- Aberdeen City Community Health Partnership Committee
- Liver and Stomach operations - UK firsts at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary
- Update to C.diff at Ward 13, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary
- No new admissions to Ward 13, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary
- Falls awareness event across Aberdeenshire
- Influenza A (H1N1) statement - 26 June 2009
- Update to C. diff cases at Ward 13, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary
- Update to C. diff cases at Ward 13, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary
- Influenza A (H1N1) statement - 29 June 2009
- Joe Harper leads the way for stroke awareness
- Realistic crash scenes send out safe driving message
- Update on C.diff cases at Ward 13 Aberdeen Royal Infirmary
22 June 2009
NHSG/104/09
Joe Harper leads the way for stroke awareness
A new campaign promoting stroke awareness in the North East has been launched by footballing legend and 'King of the Beach End' Joe Harper.
The campaign, led by Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS) and NHS Grampian, aims to increase awareness of the signs and symptoms of stroke and why quick and appropriate action could save a life.
This is summed up in the initials FAST:
- Facial weakness - can the person smile? Has their mouth or eye drooped?
- Arm weakness - can the person raise both arms?
- Speech problems - can the person speak clearly and understand what you say?
- Time to call 999
If a person has failed any of these tests, it is crucial to call 999.
At the launch, Joe Harper joined Dr Mary Joan Macleod (Acute Stroke specialist and clinical lead for the acute stroke service in the North East of Scotland), and Margaret Somerville, CHSS Director of Advice and Support.
The launch marks the start of the FAST awareness campaign in Grampian, which includes a taxi cab which has been specially branded with these vital stroke awareness messages, information leaflets delivered to every household, advice messages on radio, and bus advertising. The taxi with its FAST livery will be seen throughout the Aberdeen city area. Passengers will find FAST messages inside the cab as well, and can ask their driver about the campaign and its messages.
Joe Harper had a stroke in 2004, when he was 55. He said: "Prompt action from a paramedic and the subsequent after care I received from the medical staff, at both Kirkcaldy and Aberdeen Hospitals, ensured my full recovery.
"Strokes can happen to anyone of any age, so it is important for everyone to recognise the early signs, and use FAST."
Dr Macleod said:
"Stroke is a medical emergency and by calling 999 you can help someone reach hospital quickly and receive the early treatment they need. Prompt action can prevent further damage to the brain and help someone make a full recovery. Delay can result in death or major long-term disabilities, such as paralysis, severe memory loss and communication problems."
Margaret Somerville, CHSS Director of Advice and Support said: "Stroke is the third biggest killer and the main cause of chronic disability in the UK.
"In 2008, 22 people below the age of 40 and 253 people below the age of 65 had a stroke and were admitted to NHS hospitals in Grampian. Everyone should know how to spot the signs of stroke and help save a life."
For information about Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, see
www.chss.org.uk
Corporate Communications
NHS Grampian