Improving the stroke journey by placing patients at the centre of care is the focus of an event taking place today at Humanarium, RCSI’s new public engagement space.

Stroke is the third leading cause of death in Ireland and the commonest form of acquired physical disability in adults, according to the Irish National Audit of Stroke National Report 2020.

‘Stronger Together: Improving the Stroke Journey for All’ will hear a number of keynote presentations that follow the full stroke journey and raise public awareness of life after stroke.

Speakers include Chris Macey, Director of Advocacy and Patient Support, who will share reflections from his time with the Irish Heart Foundation; Dr Mary O’Neill, RCSI Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, who will discuss her work on co-designing a stroke care pathway; and Thomas Brady, Stroke Campaign Lead with the HSE NSE, who will speak about the FAST campaign and why early stroke recognition counts.

Attendees will also hear from public and patient advocates as well as stroke survivors, who will share their individual experiences and offer perspectives in open discussions on how stroke care and support can be improved in Ireland.

The event is jointly led by the Stroke SPEAK (Stroke Prevention, Education, Awareness, Kinship) and CLASP (Co Designing Life After Stroke) research teams.

Stroke SPEAK is a Health Research Board funded Knowledge Translation Award which aims to translate the ‘Improving Pathways for Acute Stroke and Rehabilitation’ programme (iPASTAR) into policy and practice. This programme is led by Professor David Williams, Professor of Stroke Medicine, RCSI. CLASP is also an Applied Partnership award funded by the Health Research Board of Ireland and hosted by RCSI, led by Professor Frances Horgan, Professor of Physiotherapy, RCSI.

Prof. Williams explains the significance of today’s event: “Improving outcomes after stroke requires a truly integrated approach that connects acute care, rehabilitation and long-term support. Events like this ensure that patient perspectives are central to shaping how those systems evolve.”

Prof. Horgan said that: “working in partnership with stroke survivors and their families is essential to designing services that reflect real needs. Through co-design, we can build more responsive and effective supports for life after stroke.”