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New Treatment For Stroke Finally On The Horizon For Northern Ireland

Thursday 25 October 2007

The Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke welcomes the commitment of the Northern Ireland Executive in its budget to ensure that by the year 2013 (five years from now) all stroke patients will be given the opportunity to be assessed for clot-busting drugs.

The Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke welcomes the commitment of the Northern Ireland Executive in its budget to ensure that by the year 2013 (five years from now) all stroke patients will be given the opportunity to be assessed for clot-busting drugs.

Andrew Dougal, Chief Executive of NICHS, said "For those stroke clients who are eligible, prompt delivery of this drug within the three hour window of opportunity may save much of the brain function and avoid long-term disability."

Northern Ireland is the last country in the UK to have this drug. Logistical steps need to be put in place to organise its effective delivery within the timeframe.

Andrew Dougal also said "I am pleased to see an allowance to help people with disability or those with long-term illness get back to work. This could enhance the quality of life of these people and also contribute to improvements in the Northern Ireland economy."

Many fewer people with disabilities are in work in Northern Ireland when compared with other parts of the UK.

Stroke is the largest single cause of disability in our community.

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