Improving Stroke Care Services in South Central Wales: Let's Talk Stroke

04 October 2023

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board (UHB) and Cwm Taf Morgannwg UHB are working together, with other partners including the Stroke Association, to take important steps to make stroke care services better for anyone affected by stroke across South- Central Wales.

Experiencing a stroke is a severe medical emergency that requires immediate assessment and urgent treatment.

In the UK, stroke is the fourth leading cause of death and the primary cause of adult disability, resulting in huge impacts on people's independence and quality of life. Here In Wales, stroke affects around 1,600 people in the South-Central Wales area each year, with 3,200 seeking hospital care for suspected strokes.

We want to make sure that people who experience a stroke have improved outcomes and can enjoy the best life possible following a stroke. For this to happen it requires getting to the right stroke service quickly and in the right place, and having access to effective rehabilitation and recovery support - known as the stroke pathway. 

All parts of the stroke pathway for patients in Cwm Taf Morgannwg and Cardiff and Vale are being reviewed under a new regional programme called the South-Central Wales Stroke Delivery Network.

To ensure future services meet the needs of our population, we need your thoughts and ideas. We want to hear from patients, healthcare workers, and anyone who has a lived experience of stroke, or who cares about stroke care.

Abigail Harris, Executive Director of Strategic Planning and Senior Responsible Officer for the programme  said, "We are dedicated to making stroke care better and saving lives. We want to make life better for people who have had strokes. This programme is an important step in this journey. We are talking to doctors and other experts who know a lot about strokes. They can help us make care better and we want to know what you think and what you need."

Get involved

If you or someone you care for has had a stroke, we want to hear your story by filling out this short form. Your experiences and ideas are really important. They can help us make care better for people like you.

There will be lots of engagement opportunities over the coming weeks and months; opportunities for you to share your experiences and ideas for shaping future stroke services for the region. 

You can stay updated on the South-Central Wales Stroke Delivery Network programme by following us on our Social Media Platforms.