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Mary Donovan, Stroke CNS and Stroke Consultant Dr Barry Moynihan, both of UHK at the Friends of UHK fundraising Night at the Dogs on Friday. Photo by Dermot Crean
WHILE entertainment was the order of the night at the recent Friends of UHK Night At The Dogs, it was also a chance to raise awareness with the public of the signs of stroke.
The Stroke Unit’s Clinical Nurse Specialist Mary Donovan and Stroke Unit Consultant Dr Barry Moynihan were on hand to give information at a stand in Kingdom Greyhound Stadium on Friday evening.
The Stroke Unit at University Hospital Kerry saw 180 patients last year and early treatment is vital as Mary explained.
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“We’re raising awareness of the signs of stroke — F.A.S.T. This is facial droop, arm or leg weakness, speech difficulty and time is of the essence,” she said.
“Recent research has shown only 58% of patients are coming in on time. They tend to ignore the symptoms or if their symptoms resolve a little they tend not to come in. We need to get them in for treatment as soon as possible,” added Mary.
“Stroke can affect people of any age and if the experience the FAST signs they need to come in or call 999,” said Barry Moynihan. ” Sometimes the signs can fluctuate but they need to come in straight away.”
