HSE Launches Critical 'Every Second Counts' Stroke Awareness Campaign

A major new three-year public awareness campaign launched today aims to save lives by encouraging immediate action when stroke symptoms appear, as fewer than half of Irish patients currently reach hospital within the crucial three-hour treatment window.

The Health Service Executive's 'Every Second Counts' campaign reinforces a simple but vital message: the second you suspect a stroke is the second you dial 999 or 112. The national television, radio and digital initiative was developed with stroke survivors and community groups to address the dangerous delay many people experience before seeking emergency help.

In Ireland, approximately 7,500 people suffer strokes annually, with around 90,000 living with ongoing effects and disability. Stroke remains the third leading cause of death and the leading cause of acquired neurological disability, affecting one in four people during their lifetime.

Despite improved public awareness from previous campaigns, current data reveals a concerning gap. While the 2014 Irish National Audit of Stroke found 73% of patients reached hospital within recommended timeframes, today fewer than 50% arrive within three hours of symptom onset.

Professor Rónán Collins, HSE National Clinical Lead for Stroke, said:

"Every second counts when it comes to stroke. We know that public awareness of the symptoms has improved thanks to previous FAST campaigns, but many people still hesitate before calling an ambulance. This new campaign is designed to close that gap: to make sure the second you suspect a stroke is the second you dial 999 or 112. Doing so saves lives and reduces disability."

The campaign continues promoting the established F.A.S.T. acronym: Face drooping or weak on one side, Arm suddenly weak or clumsy, Speech slurred or confused, and Time to act FAST by phoning 999 or 112 immediately.

Personal testimony highlights the campaign's importance. Siobhán McGrath, a former Dublin senior ladies' football player who suffered a stroke at 34, experienced firsthand the consequences of delay.

Siobhán McGrath said:

"I didn't realise at first that I was having a stroke, and I waited before seeking help. I now know that not acting FAST delayed my recovery. This campaign is vital in helping people act immediately when they spot the signs."

Alongside public awareness efforts, the HSE is expanding Early Supported Discharge programmes, allowing stroke survivors to continue recovery at home with professional support. Over 800 people benefited from these services in 2023, compared to 370 in 2019, with teams now operating at 11 sites and expansion planned to 15 by year-end.

Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said:

"Stroke is a medical emergency which can result in damage to the brain and long-term disability. However, we have very effective treatment options when these are provided quickly. This campaign is a major milestone on our journey to future-proofing our stroke services."

The government has invested over €13 million in the National Stroke Strategy since 2022, supporting Ireland's longest sustained public awareness campaign. Treatment improvements have seen stroke mortality fall from 19% in 2008 to 11% in 2024, while thrombolysis rates increased from 1% to 11% over the same period.

Medical advances have transformed stroke care in Ireland. The country now provides thrombectomy treatment to 11% of stroke patients, significantly higher than the UK's 3.3%. Stroke unit care is available at 22 acute hospitals compared to just one in 2008, though bed shortages still prevent one in three patients from accessing this specialised care.

The campaign materials, including television and radio advertisements, are available online. The television advertisement can be viewed at https://youtu.be/46bO0yFYIEk, with radio versions available at https://soundcloud.com/hseireland/sets/hse-stroke-radio-ads.

For comprehensive stroke information and resources, visit www.hse.ie/stroke. The campaign's core message remains clear: recognising stroke symptoms demands immediate emergency response, as every second truly counts in preserving life and preventing disability.