James Evans MS is proud to be supporting the upcoming ‘Stroke Prevention Day’ on Thursday, January 30.

The Stroke Association’s ‘Stroke Prevention Day’ for 2025 is particularly focusing on high blood pressure, which is one of the biggest risk factors and plays a part in roughly half of all strokes.

The Stroke Association is encouraging everyone across Wales to check their blood pressure regularly and stresses the importance of regular exercise, reducing salt intake, and reviewing alcohol intake as a way of keeping healthy.

TV advertising campaigns like FAST give clear advice on recognising the symptoms of a stroke and to seek help as quickly as possible.

Recent changes to acute stroke treatment by Cwm Taf Health Board has seen the unit relocate from Prince Charles Hospital Merthyr, to the Royal Glamorgan Hospital in Llantrisant, doubling the travelling time for patients from the Brecon and surrounding areas.

Proposals are currently being considered by Hywel Dda Health Board to relocate acute stroke services from Bronglais in Aberystwyth to Glangwili in Carmarthen. This could have a major impact for residents in the Rhayader and the surrounding areas.

Mr Evans has been vocal in his opposition to these changes, as any delay in treatment of strokes has a direct effect on the patient’s prospects of recovery.

James Evans, MS for Brecon and Radnorshire and Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, said: “I am very proud to be supporting the Stroke Association’s ‘Stroke Prevention Day’ for 2025, and I’m encouraging everyone to check their blood pressure regularly so we can try to prevent strokes happening.

“With much of our healthcare provision already limited across Powys, and our nearest A&E up to an hour away, many of my constituents rightly feel vulnerable when it comes to serious health issues like strokes. The significant travelling time to seek help coupled with the lack of ambulance cover across the county is a major concern for residents.

“The relocation of the acute stroke unit in Merthyr Tydfil to Llantrisant is a bitter blow to my constituents in the Brecon and surrounding areas. Further proposals to move acute stroke services from Aberystwyth to Glangwili could impact residents living in and around the Rhayader area.

“I am pushing for more stroke services to be delivered within Powys, from thrombolysing to stroke rehabilitation, and will continue to push the Welsh Government to invest in healthcare services here in Mid Wales.”