While the number of residents diagnosed with strokes “is getting higher”, the Bermuda Hospitals Board is boosting its preparedness for treatment, a hospital official said today.

Srinath Meadipudi, the director of the BHB’s stroke centre, said the increase in numbers may be tied to more people seeking treatment for the condition.

He spoke to The Royal Gazette after a brief ceremony at the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital to mark World Stroke Day.

The event, which brought together the BHB’s partners to offer free stroke screening and advice, was designed to boost awareness, education and advocacy for services in the community, Dr Meadipudi said.

It was held under the theme “Every minute counts”.

Last year, 229 people received stroke diagnosis at KEMH, an increase from 219 recorded in the previous 12 months.

Dr Meadipudi said: “Every year it is getting higher.

“It is partly because people are getting awareness about being fast and approaching the hospital quicker, so they are seeking treatment earlier than before.

“The treatment definitely has improved compared to what was there before and that’s why we are able to achieve more and we are improving the treatment.

“More than half of them [patients] are getting the clot-busting treatment nowadays compared to five years back.”

During the event, he said the figures logged last year break down to about four or five patients being diagnosed with a stroke each week, with one in three being below 65 years old.

Dr Meadipudi urged residents to make use of the hospital’s emergency services, adding that more than half of the patients who sought treatment for stroke last year visited KEMH by private vehicle.

“If you call 911, the emergency medical service team is activated before you arrive and the clock starts working in your favour,” he said.

Richard Hammond, the BHB’s acting Chief of Staff, said the hospital’s teams are always ready and prepared to support people who suffer a stroke.

He explained that at KEMH, every suspected stroke case is attended promptly, urgent brain imaging is applied to the patient and support is on hand at Johns Hopkins Hospital in the United States 24/7 to assist the team on the island.

Dr Hammond said that over the next four years, the hospital’s priority is to “treat patients even faster” and broaden support services such as education for people affected.

He urged residents to seek treatment early when the signs of a stroke show, adding: “Most of the strokes we treat are linked to conditions that can be found early and managed, high blood pressure in particular.”

Kim Wilson, the Minister of Health, echoed the doctors’ calls, urging residents to act swiftly and seek treatment when symptoms occur.

She said: “When someone is having a stroke, every minute matters.

“Recognising the signs and calling 911 immediately can make a real difference in a person’s recovery, their independence and, quite literally, whether they survive.”

Ms Wilson said “every minute counts when it comes to prevention too”, as she urged people to get their blood pressure checked and blood sugar tested, among other methods of monitoring health.

“Conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, AFib [atrial fibrillation — rapid heart rhythm] can all increase the risk of stroke,” she said.

The health minister said the challenge was that some of the conditions can develop without “obvious symptoms”.

She said: “But the good news is that identifying and managing these risks can help to prevent strokes.”

Ms Wilson said a stroke does not only affect the patient but their family, friends and loves ones.

She said: “It can change someone’s ability to work, to enjoy their hobbies, to care for their families and to live independently.”

Stoke prevention helps people to enjoy more quality of life and enjoy healthier years with the people they love, the minister added.