THURSDAY, 29 OCTOBER, 2026

NHS Tayside supports World Stroke Day

NHS Tayside is supporting World Stroke Day (29 October) by holding awareness events encouraging people to recognise the signs of stroke and to know how they can help reduce the risks.

The World Stroke Day Campaign aims to increase awareness and understanding of the FAST check list, which helps identify the most common signs of stroke:

• Face - has the person's face drooped on one side?

• Arms - can they raise both arms and keep them there?

• Speech - is their speech slurred or difficult to understand?

• Time - if you notice any of these signs, it is time to call 999 immediately.

People are also urged to seek urgent help if someone experiences sudden weakness or numbness, particularly on one side of the body, sudden confusion, vision problems, dizziness, loss of balance or a severe headache.

Information stands were being hosted at Ninewells Hospital, Perth Royal Infirmary and Royal Victoria Hospital to help raise awareness of stroke symptoms, the importance of acting quickly in an emergency as well as providing advice on what people can do to help reduce their risk of stroke.

At Ninewells Hospital, the stand on the main concourse was staffed by the Stroke Managed Clinical Network Coordinator and clinical colleagues until 4pm. Visitors had the opportunity to speak with clinical staff who also offered blood pressure checks until 3.30pm as well as providing information leaflets on stroke prevention and recognition.

Additional information stands were also hosted at Perth Royal Infirmary and Royal Victoria Hospital.

NHS Tayside Stroke Consultant Dr Matt Lambert said, “Stroke remains one of the leading causes of death and disability in Scotland. There are treatments that can be delivered in the first few hours after a stroke that can prevent or reduce its long-term effects.

“That is why it is so important to recognise the signs of stroke and call 999 immediately if you suspect someone is having one. The FAST test provides a simple way to remember the most common stroke symptoms and can help people to act without delay.

“I would encourage people to learn more about stroke prevention and recognition.”

Every five minutes, someone in the UK has a stroke. World Stroke Day highlights that stroke is a serious brain injury that can have life-changing consequences, but early recognition and prompt treatment can significantly improve outcomes.

More information about stroke, including prevention and symptoms, is available at www.nhsinform.scot/stroke

Contact:

Anna Michie

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 424138