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Dept of Health

Answer

Mr. Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent representations he has received concerning measures to improve the prevention, treatment and care of stroke; and if he will make a statement. [17092] Mr. Horam: We received a copy of "Stroke: National Tragedy, National Priority--An Agenda for action in stroke prevention, treatment and care" produced by the Stroke Association when I spoke at the launch of the document on 13 February. We are sure that local health authorities will find the document useful when discussing the commissioning of health services for their areas for people who have had a stroke. Physical inactivity is a major cause of ill health, including stroke. In particular, physically inactive people have up to three times the risk of stroke than active people. The Government are addressing this concern through a major three-year physical activity campaign called "Active for Life". The campaign, which is administered by the Health Education Authority at a total cost of £9 million, informs people of the significance of maintaining 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity on at least five times a week as a means of reducing the risk of stroke. I refer the hon. Member to the reply that the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State my hon. Friend the Member for Chelmsford (Mr. Burns), gave to the hon. Member for Nottingham, North (Mr. Allen) on 17 February 1997, Official Report, column 381 about the treatment and care of people who have had a stroke.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

17092; 291 c71-2W

Session

1996-97

Subjects

Diseases Cerebrovascular system