Stroke Awareness Day takes place in Poole town centre
Nursing staff from Poole Hospital's Stroke Unit were on-hand in Poole town centre on 26 April to offer advice and answer questions on strokes.
Nurses from the Stroke Unit at Poole Hospital teamed up with staff from The Stroke Association on Saturday 26 April to offer members of the public advice and free blood pressure checks.
The event took place in Falkland Square in Poole and was designed to raise awareness of the symptoms of a stroke. Members of the public were encouraged to use the FAST test to recognise the signs of a stroke and could also take the opportunity to have their blood pressure tested and ask questions of the stroke team.
Sam Jamieson, Sister at Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We hope that this event will help to raise local people’s awareness of the symptoms of a stroke, as well as the services available locally to support those who have suffered a stroke. By using the FAST test, people can identify the signs of a stroke and respond to them – a stroke is a medical emergency, but by acting quickly to ensure early treatment, further damage to the brain can be prevented, meaning a better chance of a full recovery.”
The FAST Test:
Facial weakness
Can the person smile? Has their mouth or eye dropped?
Arm weakness
Can the person raise both arms?
Speech problems
Can the person speak clearly and understand what you say?
Test all three symptoms
Date: 23 April 2008