Residents encouraged to act fast on possible stroke symptoms to get the best possible treatment with new month-long campaign

Throughout October, our Public Health teams are encouraging residents to act fast on possible stroke symptoms and get the right life-saving treatment by calling 999.

In Barnsley, we know that approximately 450 people experience a stroke every year, and we want to make sure our communities get the best possible treatment to live and recover well.

At the heart of our month-long campaign are the powerful stories of local stroke survivors and a simple, urgent message – don’t be caught in two minds, act fast and call 999.

By encouraging residents to think twice about possible symptoms, we want to help anyone who experiences a stroke in Barnsley get the urgent treatment they need in the right place.

Early detection and support can not only save lives but also improve what’s possible as part of your recovery and return home. By calling 999 as soon as you or someone you know suddenly starts experiencing stroke symptoms, you can make sure you’re on the right support path.

The Ambulance team will be able to quickly assess if you should be transferred to one of the nearby Hyper-Acute Stroke Units in Sheffield, Doncaster or Wakefield.

These units offer 24/7 specialist treatment, helping you get the right care within the critical first four hours before being referred to services back in Barnsley for your follow-up care.

We want to make sure this important message reaches across our communities, which is why our How’s Thi Ticker team will be championing the campaign as part of their October events.

If you see our award-winning health checks out and about this month, be sure to ask them about possible signs to look out for and how you can access the right care in the right place.

Their sessions this month include:

• Friday 10 October, from 10am to 2.30pm, in Barnsley Market
• Thursday 16 October, from 10.30am to 3pm, at the Chatty Café in Cudworth
• Thursday 30 October, from 10am to 2pm, in Roundhouse Library, Athersley

Councillor Wendy Cain, Cabinet Spokesperson for Public Health and Communities, said: “In Barnsley, we want to help everyone have the best possible chance of enjoying life in good health, crucially getting the right support at the right place and time.

“I’m delighted to see our powerful stroke campaign returning this month, encouraging people to think twice about possible symptoms and act fast to get the urgent care you need. Over the next few weeks, we want to highlight the importance of calling 999 as soon as you notice something that doesn’t feel right, helping you and your loved ones get the right care in the right place.

“I want to thank all the local stroke survivors who’ve once again supported and championed this potentially life-saving campaign. We know the power of hearing from our communities, and by sharing your experiences, you’re helping us start conversations about strokes across Barnsley.”

Our localised stroke campaign combines the symptoms many people will already know from the national FAST messaging with what local survivors experienced.

If you or anyone you know is suddenly experiencing any of the following symptoms, please call 999 as soon as possible to be assessed for the right support:
•    Coordination and balance problems, including sudden onset of vertigo.
•    Facial paralysis or droop.
•    Severe, gripping headaches.
•    Speech problems.
•    Vision problems.
•    Weakness down one or both sides of your body.

Originally built in response to local data, we would like to once again thanks the partners who worked with us throughout the development of our localised stroke campaign.

This includes the Stroke Association, Barnsley Hospital, local stroke cafes, the NHS South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board and the Yorkshire Ambulance Service.