400% rise in number of people receiving life-saving treatment for stroke

The number of people receiving life-saving treatment for strokes has risen 400% in the past four years.

The HSE’s National Stroke Programme has also helped cut death and disability rates from stroke significantly, according to the Irish Heart Foundation, which yesterday launched its annual Fast awareness programme.

However, only half of the population would call 999 or 112 in the event of a stroke — the third biggest killer in Ireland that claims 2,000 lives here a year.