Raising awareness of stroke in Barnsley

Local NHS staff in Barnsley hosted an afternoon tea party in support of Stroke Awareness Day to raise awareness of stroke, provide information about spotting the signs of the condition and advice for living with the condition.

Staff who work on the Stroke unit at Mount Vernon hospital in Barnsley invited visitors, staff, service users from the unit and their family members to come along to the afternoon tea party to find out more about the condition, while enjoying homemade cakes and tea.

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is cut off, resulting in brain cells being damaged or dying. The Stroke unit at Mount Vernon provides integrated care and rehabilitation for people who have suffered a stroke.

Vicki Morris, stroke co-ordinator on the unit said, "A stroke can strike suddenly and without warning therefore it is really important that people know how to recognise the symptoms and what to do when a stroke strikes. Our staff were on hand throughout the event to raise awareness of the condition and to give people advice on how they can live with the condition.

"The event was also an opportunity for our team to raise awareness of the Stroke Association, a national charity solely concerned with combating stroke in people of all ages, which funds research into prevention, treatment and better methods of rehabilitation, and helps stroke patients and their families. We were able to raise £100 for them." Visit www.southwestyorkshire.nhs.uk to find out more about the event