Stroke prevention nurses identify and support people who may be at a high risk of having a stroke across North Wales

06/06/2024

Stroke is a leading cause of death in the UK yet 9 out of 10 strokes are preventable, according to Stroke Association, if the risk factors are better detected, treated and managed. 

The Health Board’s Stroke Improvement Programme has developed a stroke prevention model which appointed three stroke prevention nurses, Holly Brislen, Emma Davies and Nicola Vickers, who are providing early life-saving interventions across North Wales.

During Stroke Awareness Month the team have been out in the community to raise the profile of how people can identify if they’re at risk of having a stroke and risks associated with unhealthy lifestyle choices.

The specialists explain: “The aim of our work is to opportunistically find patients at risk of stroke at public events through blood pressure monitoring, pulse checks and lifestyle discussions such as smoking or increased alcohol intake. This will identify potential stroke risks.

“We aim to identify people with stroke risk factors such as undiagnosed Atrial Fibrillation (heart arrhythmia), undiagnosed/ uncontrolled Hypertension (raised blood pressure), undiagnosed Diabetes, Hyperlipidaemia (raised cholesterol) and provide early intervention to modify and manage these risks factors associated with unhealthy lifestyle choices such as smoking and vaping, unhealthy eating habits, increased alcohol and substance use and sedentary lifestyle.

“As part of our work also offer an educational aspect which we is a very important part of the role, and how we can change behaviours. This aims to increase awareness of stroke risk factors to health board and third sector staff, patients, public, students and carers across North Wales.

“We have begun to deliver training and education to employees and also aimed at the general public with the need for outreach, such as those with hearing loss and black and ethnic minority groups.”

The team have also begun to deliver sessions to carers of stroke survivors to provide support and information, regarding managing stroke risks following discharge, as well as working with stroke survivor groups across North Wales.

Holly said: “I’m very passionate about this role to develop my work around prevention and research. I am the current chair of the Welsh Stroke Nurse Forum and I am currently undertaking my MRes at Cardiff Metropolitan University, which will help me further my knowledge and support that I can offer to people across North Wales.”

Emma has been a registered nurse for 20 years and has previously worked in Acute Medical Unit and Emergency Department and developed an interest in stroke prevention and the importance of managing risk factors to prevent chronic disease.

Nicola, previously worked within community hospitals as a ward manager and matron and was manager of the Acute Stroke Unit in Wrexham Maelor Hospital. She said: “This role has brought me back to my passion in stroke and focusing on prevention, education and service development.”

Read more here for more information about the Health Board’s Stroke Improvement Programme.