Written question asked by Nicholas Winterton (Conservative) on Friday, 19 February 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 23 February 2010. It was answered by Baroness Merron (Labour) on Thursday, 25 February 2010 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Strokes: Children

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent financial support his Department has provided for research into the causes, outcomes and treatment of childhood stroke.

Answer: Two National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) biomedical research centres¹ are undertaking research on aspects of childhood stroke. Their estimated spend on the topic is £370,000 over the two years 2007 to 2009.The NIHR clinical research network is currently providing NHS research infrastructure support to one study concerned with the outcome of childhood stroke.The Medical Research Council (MRC) meanwhile is not funding research specifically relating to the condition. However, the MRC funds a broad portfolio of more general stroke related research on which £10.1 million was spent in 2008-09. It includes basic and underpinning research that may increase understanding of the condition in childhood."¹ Hammersmith Hospitals and St. Mary's Hospital National Health Service Trusts/Imperial College London; and Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS trust/University College London Institute of Child Health."

Secondary information