New figures show that Dorset has the second highest number of strokes in the South West.

In Dorset, there are 19,101 people on GP registers who have had a stroke and in 2016, 432 people died from a stroke.

This is compared to 122,500 people in the South West, and 3,9991 people have died due to a stroke.

The figures were released by Public Health England (PHE) as they launch their new Act F.A.S.T stroke campaign in the South West, which urges the public to call 999 if they notice even one of the signs of a stroke in themselves or in others:

  • Face- has their face fallen on one side? Can they smile?
  • Arms- can they raise both their arms and keep them there?
  • Speech- is their speech slurred?
  • Time- time to call 999

In England, one in six people will have a stroke in their lifetime, 30 per cent of whom will experience another.

Stroke is the third most common cause of premature death and a leading cause of disability in the UK.

Deaths related to stroke have declined by 49 per cent in the past 15 years, due to better prevention, earlier treatment and more advanced treatment.

Getting an NHS Health Check for those aged 40-74 years, can identify early if you are at risk.

While the majority (59 per cent) of strokes occur in the older generation, PHE's figures found that over a third (38 per cent) of first time strokes happen in middle aged adults (between the ages of 40-69).

The average age for males having a stroke fell from 71 to 68 and for females, 75 to 73 years between 2007 and 2016.

The campaign reaches out to people of all ages to highlight the risk of stroke, reiterate the signs and show how vital it is that people call 999 and get to hospital as soon as possible.

The Stroke Association's latest report reveals that in the UK almost two thirds (65 per cent) of stroke survivors leave hospital with a disability.

Around three quarters of stroke survivors have arm or leg weakness, around 60 per cent have visual problems and around a half have difficulty swallowing and loss of bladder control.

Debbie Stark, deputy centre director for PHE South West said: "We know that sadly, far too many people dismiss their early warning signs of stroke and delay calling 999.

"Stroke is a medical emergency and getting the right treatment fast can save lives.

"Through this latest campaign we hope as many people as possible know how to act FAST and help reduce the devastating impact a stroke can have."

Tony Rudd, national clinical director for Stroke with NHS England said: "Thanks to improved NHS care, stroke survival is now at record high levels.

Urgent treatment for strokes is essential, so friends and family can play a key part in making sure their loved ones receive care as quickly as possible."