Hospital stroke admissions up by 28% since 2004

Hospital admissions following a stroke have grown by 28% in the last 20 years, according to new NHS analysis.

(c) Gerd Altmann/Pixabay

(c) Gerd Altmann/Pixabay

NHS England data shows an increase to 111,137 stroke admissions in England in 2023/24, from 87,069 in 2004/05, driven in part by an ageing population and the impacts of lifestyle factors on the nation's cardiovascular health.     

Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS national medical director, said: ‘There are likely to be a range of causes behind this alarming increase, but we know that lifestyle, and particularly obesity, poor diet and lack of exercise, are among common factors that can increase risk of stroke and have a significant impact on cardiovascular health for people of working age in their fifties and sixties.'

There has also been a 55% rise in admissions among people aged 50-59 (8,063 in 2004/5 vs 12,533 in 2023/24) - the highest increase among any age group. This is compared to a 42% increase for those aged 60-69, and a 25% rise for ages 70-79.   

 The figures come as the NHS launched a major campaign, NHS ‘Act FAST', urging the public to call 999 immediately if anyone experiences one of the three most common symptoms of strokes including struggling to smile (Face) or raise an arm (Arms), or slurring their words (Speech).    

 Electronic Frailty Index updated

Electronic Frailty Index updated

By Liz Wells 02 April 2025

The Electronic Frailty Index (eFI) tool, which enables GPs to predict older patients’ risks of living with frailty and therefore prevent falls and limit hosp...

UKHSA launches call for evidence to tackle rising TB cases

By Liz Wells 02 April 2025

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has launched a call for evidence to help shape the next five-year Tuberculosis (TB) National Action Plan for England, w...

NHS

Government confirms funding for flight technologies to support NHS

By Liz Wells 01 April 2025

The government has confirmed more than £20m funding to launch new flight technologies that could support the NHS.


Popular articles by Lee Peart