Quality Statement for Stroke in Wales: What It Means and Why It Matters
Stroke is one of Wales's biggest health challenges.
Stroke exposes the real impact of NHS waiting times. Delays in ambulance responses, scans, treatment and discharge can mean avoidable disability. The knock-on effects reach hospitals, social care and families who must step in as carers overnight.
That’s why the new Quality Statement for Stroke is an important step forward.
What is the Quality Statement for Stroke?
The Quality Statement sets out what good stroke care should look like across Wales. It provides clear expectations for prevention, emergency response, hospital treatment, rehabilitation and life after stroke. It is designed to help the NHS, local authorities and partners deliver consistent, high-quality care for everyone affected by stroke, wherever they live.
How we helped to shape it
The Stroke Association played a central role in coproducing this updated statement.
- We worked closely with Welsh Government and NHS Wales to review evidence and strengthen the ambitions.
- We supported people affected by stroke, including a dedicated group of carers, to share their lived experience and shape the content.
- Our staff across Wales contributed insights from services, support groups and frontline work.
This collaborative approach marks a significant shift from the previous statement published in 2021.
How the new statement is different
The updated Quality Statement:
- Places stronger emphasis on prevention and early intervention.
- Sets clearer expectations for rapid diagnosis and specialist treatment.
- Recognises the importance of rehabilitation and long-term recovery.
- Highlights the role of carers and families.
- Focuses on reducing variation across Wales.
It is more ambitious, more practical and more aligned with what people affected by stroke tell us they need.
Why it matters
This new Quality Statement is a practical and immediate step toward easing NHS pressures, improving care across Wales and protecting people in every community.
What happens next
We will continue working with Welsh Government, NHS Wales, local authorities and partners to turn this statement into real improvements. Our priorities include:
- Supporting implementation across all health boards.
- Ensuring people affected by stroke remain central to decision-making.
- Monitoring progress and highlighting where change is too slow.
- Championing investment in stroke services across the whole pathway.
With the Senedd election on 7 May, we are calling on the next Welsh Government to act with urgency. Documents don’t save lives, people do. Only by working together across sectors can we deliver the stroke care Wales deserves.
Read the Quality Statement here:
Welsh: Y datganiad ansawdd ar gyfer strôc
English: Quality Statement for Stroke
Or find out more about our work ahead of the 2026 election here:
Make Stroke a Priority at the 2026 Election