Try GOLD - Free

Dialling 999 as soon as first stroke symptom occurs is vital, says NHS

The Guardian

|

November 04, 2024

Dialling 999 as soon as stroke symptoms occur is crucial, an NHS England campaign is to stress as data reveals people wait almost an hour and a half on average before making an emergency call.

- Nicola Davis

About 100,000 people in the UK have a stroke each year. The potentially life-threatening condition occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off. Recent data suggests that the number could increase to 151,000 a year by 2035.

Rapid treatment is crucial, both for survival and for reducing the chance of long-term problems such as paralysis, memory loss and difficulties in communication. However, figures have revealed the median time between first symptom and a 999 call being made is 88 minutes.

The data has been released by NHS England as part of a campaign to encourage people to act quickly should they see someone struggling to smile, having difficulties raising an arm, or slurring their speech.

MORE STORIES FROM The Guardian

The Guardian

England in for reshuffle with Roebuck and Steward out

Injuries to Tom Roebuck and Freddie Steward look likely to trigger an eye-catching reshuffle in England's backline for the Test against Fiji on Saturday.

time to read

2 mins

November 05, 2025

The Guardian

The Guardian

Divisive legacy A key player in making case for 'war on terror'

Dick Cheney came to be seen as a moderate in his later years for his staunch opposition to Donald Trump, but he also stands accused of paving the way for Trumpism by undermining the independence of intelligence agencies and US adherence to international law.

time to read

3 mins

November 05, 2025

The Guardian

Johnson scores but sees red as four-star Spurs dispatch Copenhagen

It was the moment when the Tottenham home crowd could forget about their recent frustrations and lose themselves in the joy of it all; the glorious release.

time to read

3 mins

November 05, 2025

The Guardian

Reeves could cut green levies from energy bills

Rachel Reeves is considering slashing funding aimed at making homes more energy efficient to pay for a reduction in energy bills, sources have told the Guardian, as the chancellor looks for ways to ease the cost of living in this month's budget.

time to read

3 mins

November 05, 2025

The Guardian

LIV or LXXII? Players force Saudi Tour into 72-hole switch

LIV Golf has backtracked on one of its founding principles by announcing tournaments in the fourth season of the Saudi Arabian-backed league will be played over 72 holes.

time to read

1 mins

November 05, 2025

The Guardian

He may have been estranged from his party, but Republican paved the way for Trump

He was the embodiment of America-first ideals before Donald Trump and his Maga movement hijacked the phrase.

time to read

2 mins

November 05, 2025

The Guardian

The Guardian

Theatre review Harewood captivates in starry classic that offers beauty without depth

David Harewood was the first Black actor to play Othello at the National Theatre in London almost 30 years ago.

time to read

2 mins

November 05, 2025

The Guardian

The Guardian

Mac Allister lights up Liverpool as sorry Real finish a distant second

Ultimately it was not about who was back at Anfield but what was back.

time to read

3 mins

November 05, 2025

The Guardian

Art of the possible Residents run show at local gallery

I used to see this place on the street but I didn't know what was here - I didn't even know it was an art gallery,\" says Felix, a 20-year-old nursing student.

time to read

2 mins

November 05, 2025

The Guardian

The Guardian

Reduce exams and boost life skills - school review

The review of England's curriculum has recommended reducing the amount of content and emphasis on exams and instead focusing more on life skills and “enrichment”.

time to read

3 mins

November 05, 2025

Listen

Translate

Share

-
+

Change font size