Stroke patients delay 999 calls by nearly 90 minutes, NHS data reveals

England’s top doctor urges the public to call 999 at the first sign of a stroke 

NHS England has launched the first major update to the ‘Act FAST’ campaign since 2009, as new data reveals that many stroke patients wait almost an hour and a half on average before making an emergency call.

The updated campaign urges the public to call 999 immediately if anyone experiences one of the three common stroke symptoms: difficulty smiling (Face), trouble raising an arm (Arms), or slurred speech (Speech).

Around 100,000 people are estimated to suffer a stroke each year in the UK, which occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off. Without prompt treatment, a stroke can lead to death or long-term disabilities such as paralysis, memory loss and communication problems. Strokes remain the fourth single leading cause of death in the UK, resulting in about 38,000 deaths each year.

An analysis of NHS data for 2023-24 indicated that among 41,327 patients with a recorded time of symptom onset, the average time from the first symptom to making a 999 call was 88 minutes.

Additionally, a poll of 2,001 adults in England revealed that 57 per cent of respondents believed you should have 2-3 symptoms of a stroke before calling 999, despite the fact that even one symptom is a sign of a medical emergency.

Nearly two thirds of respondents said they would not call 999 as their first course of action if they noticed someone was suddenly struggling to smile.

England’s top doctor is urging the public to call 999 even if the first sign of stroke doesn’t appear serious.

Dr David Hargroves, NHS national clinical director for stroke and consultant stroke physician, emphasised: “When someone has a stroke, it’s estimated they may lose around two million brain cells a minute, which is why rapid diagnosis and treatment is critical – the first sign of a stroke might not seem like much, but face or arm or speech, at the first sign it’s time to call 999.

He also highlighted the campaign's importance, stating: “Greater awareness of the need to act fast and dial 999 could help save and protect many more lives, as we know that earlier recognition of symptoms and immediate action to call 999 can enable faster access to specialist treatment and the best chance of reducing long-term effects of a stroke.”

Juliet Bouverie OBE, CEO of the Stroke Association, reinforced that stroke is always a medical emergency and that quicker treatment can lead to better outcomes

“Acting FAST is vital for stroke survival and to help improve the journey to recovery,” she added.

The NHS campaign, which highlights stroke symptoms, will be broadcast across TV, TV on demand, and radio in England until mid-December.

A film featuring stroke survivors listening to audio recordings of the 999 calls that saved their lives has also been released as part of the campaign launch.