OVER the last decade we have seen a transformation in many services for heart disease and cancer.

National targets have been met and mortality rates have been dramatically reduced. Yet care and services for stroke have fallen drastically behind.

Despite being the UK's third biggest killer and a leading cause of severe adult disability, stroke services remain in a woeful state.

Failings in stroke service provision across the country mean that huge numbers of people are dying needlessly or becoming severely disabled following a stroke.

However, none of this is inevitable and with your help drastic improvements in stroke care could be made.

The Government has issued for consultation the National Stroke Strategy - a blueprint for stroke over the next 15 years which gives you the opportunity to have your say and inform this process.

The consultation process closes on October 12 so there is not much time. To find out how to voice your opinion contact the Stroke Association on 0207 566 1510.

BOB HOLNESS.