MP campaigns for stroke survivors

WARRINGTON North MP Helen Jones is continuing a push to see stroke survivors given better psychological support.
The MP (pictured), who chairs the all party Parliamentary Group for Stroke, called on the Government to acknowledge the importance of emotional and psychological care for those who have suffered a stroke.
Speaking in the House of Commons, she said: “Emotional and psychological support after stroke can be just as important as physical care, yet many patients do not get the care they need, even though research shows that investment in this area can not only benefit patients but save the NHS money in the long run.”
Indeed, she said, the Government had conceded that such treatment could have huge benefits for stroke patients and the health service.
Health Minister Norman Lamb said Ms Jones was “absolutely right” to make the case for improved psychological support and acknowledged the importance of access to these therapies.
Afterwards, Ms Jones said: “Earlier this year, I helped to launch a fantastic psychological service for stroke survivors in Warrington.
“What we want to see is this replicated across the NHS. There is still some way to go before we can convince the Government to take some solid action on this, but today’s comments from the Health Minister are a signal that we might be moving in the right direction.”