Michael Fabricant has been given some good news for sufferers of strokes in
Staffordshire and Shropshire. Specialist stroke services should be in place
by April this year at all hospitals in the two counties.

Following letters from concerned constituents that few rehabilitation
services are in place for stroke patients in Lichfield and Burntwood,
Michael took the matter up with Rosie Winterton the minister at the
Department of Health. Michael has now heard from the Shropshire and
Staffordshire Strategic Health Authority in Stafford stating that it
acknowledges the need to strengthen the development of better coordination
of stroke services in Staffordshire. Ann Harvey of the SHA went on to say
"All hospitals in the two counties are on target to have specialist stroke
services in place by April 2004".

Michael Fabricant now says "This is excellent news for stroke sufferers and
their carers. A stroke can happen to anyone. Even young, seemingly
healthy, people can be struck down. But often with the right treatment and
rehabilitation, sufferers can regain many of their motor and speech skills.
It needs time and a skilled therapist. We must not be complacent, however.
If by the end of April, constituents feel that these services are still not
in place in local hospitals, I will want to know so I can take it up again
with the Department of Health."