Written question asked by Nicholas Winterton (Conservative), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 24 February 1997. It was answered by Lord Horam (Conservative) on Monday, 24 February 1997 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: If he will comment on the incidence of stroke and the priority which his Department attaches to addressing this condition. - Including ref to "Effective Health Care Stroke Rehabilitation", March 1992, in Library.

Answer: Mr. Nicholas Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the incidence of stroke and the priority which his Department attaches to addressing this condition. [17094] Mr. Horam: The Government are clearly committed to reducing the incidence of stroke and stroke mortality. "The Health of the Nation" strategy includes specific targets to reduce deaths from stroke by 40 per cent. by the year 2000. Since the strategy was launched in 1992, death rates have fallen by 14.3 per cent. in the 65 to 74s and by 8.5 per cent. in the under-65s. Data on the precise incidence of stroke is not collected centrally. Efforts to achieve the targets are supported by a number of high profile campaigns, for example, promoting physical activity, sensible drinking and encouraging people to stop smoking. The National Health Service Executive has also produced recommendations on the provision of rehabilitation services for stroke patients which have been distributed to all local health authorities. Copies of this document, called "Effective Health Care-- Stroke Rehabilitation", March 1992, have been placed in the Library.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 17094; 291 c71W
Session: 1996-97
Subjects: Curriculum Health Diseases Cerebrovascular system Health of the Nation