Northern Ireland faces UK's highest percentage rise in stroke survivors,

The cost of stroke is set to skyrocket within the next decade as the number of stroke survivors continues to rise, demanding urgent action from the Northern Ireland Executive and our Health and Social Care services, finds a new report The Urgent Case for Investing in Stroke in Northern Ireland 1 from the Stroke Association.

The Stroke Association, the leading stroke support charity in Northern Ireland, found that every three hours in Northern Ireland someone has a stroke and, in that time, the total economic cost of stroke to health, social care services and the Government is more than it costs to buy a house in NI today. 2

As Northern Ireland’s population ages, more people are living with the risk factors of stroke including high blood pressure and diabetes. As a result, the number of stroke survivors living in Northern Ireland is expected to increase by around 46% by 2035 to around 59,100 people - the highest percentage increase of any UK nation. 3

Due to the long-term and complex needs associated with stroke, ongoing social care costs in Northern Ireland are currently estimated at £380 million a year. Combined ongoing health and social care costs are projected to rise from £480 million to £695 million within the coming decade.

The long-term impacts of stroke account for most of these costs with 86% of NHS and social care expenditure incurred after the first year, long after a stroke survivor has left hospital. Stroke is often mistakenly thought of as a one-off medical emergency, yet its effects can last a lifetime. The brain injury caused by stroke can leave survivors having to relearn basics which we take for granted such as being able to walk, talk or swallow. Around a third of stroke survivors also experience depression.

The treatment and care provided in the immediate aftermath of stroke and throughout recovery can make a huge difference to the disability a stroke survivor is left with. Around 1.9 million brain cells die every minute following the onset of stroke, making rapid diagnosis and treatment crucial. Rehabilitation is also vital to regain skills, independence, and quality of life as people can regain function years after their stroke, but far too many stroke survivors don’t get rehabilitation to suit their own needs.

New figures from the Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme (SSNAP)4 highlight the need for greater investment in stroke rehabilitation. In 2025/26, only 5.7% of stroke patients in Northern Ireland received the amount of rehabilitation time recommended by clinical guidelines while in hospital. These recommend at least three hours of rehabilitation a day, five days a week, where patients can take part, including physiotherapy, speech and language therapy and occupational therapy, both in hospital and at home.5

The costs of stroke are much greater than solely for treatment and care – the wider societal costs of stroke total around £190 million in Northern Ireland. This includes the impact of people unable to work, including survivors themselves and their loved ones who become overnight carers. Separately, fiscal costs, such as welfare payments and reduced income tax from stroke survivors who can’t work, are currently estimated to be £70.6 million.

Roisin McDonnell, mother-of-four from County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, said her family’s life changed forever when her husband, John had a stroke in February 2017 when he was just 48. Before his stroke, John led an active life as an IT Manager and marathon runner, also volunteering as a running coach but all that changed.

Roisin said: “John was one of the lucky ones in that his speech and mobility returned to almost normal within a relatively short period. However, he struggled with a deep depression and bouts of anger following the stroke as it was a scary, lonely and difficult time for the entire family.

“Stroke doesn’t just impact the survivor; it affects everyone. There’s the fear of what could have happened and the reality of dealing with the aftermath - emotionally and mentally. But with the right support, survivors and their families can move forward

John said: “I was in the hospital for eight days after I had my stroke. I then spent the first few days home alone before deciding to go back to work the following week. However, this was one of the worst decisions I could have made. I am convinced that going back to work so soon delayed my recovery significantly.”

John said that anger and frustration were constant problems for him, and he struggled to cope with it all. He added: “My brain felt like it was still scrambled. I found it hard to speak coherent thoughts. Part of the issue was that I may have looked the same to everyone, I was certainly not the same. I know I was one of the fortunate survivors of stroke, but it feels like I lost 6 months of my life.”

The Stroke Association is calling on the Northern Ireland Executive to treat stroke as a major health, research, social care and economic priority. Only then will every stroke survivor get the robust treatment and rehabilitation they need to enable them and their loved ones to go on to live fulfilling and independent lives.

Lauren Shaw, Policy and Influencing Lead at the Stroke Association said: “Stroke can have a devastating impact, changing lives in a matter of moments and affecting not only the person who has had a stroke, but also their family and friends. As a major cause of adult disability, stroke can have long-lasting consequences, making access to appropriate rehabilitation and emotional support essential to helping people adjust to life after stroke and achieve the best recovery possible.

“While we recognise the dedication of healthcare professionals who work hard to support people affected by stroke, there are still gaps in the care and rehabilitation available across Northern Ireland. The recent introduction of 24/7 thrombectomy in Northern Ireland shows what can be achieved when stroke care is made a priority, and we need to see that same commitment to improving rehabilitation and long-term support.”

The charity's report follows the broadcast of two-part documentary 'Trauma: My Broken Brain' on Channel 4 produced in partnership with the Stroke Association. It tells the story of three young stroke survivors and the long-term impact of the brain injury they are left with. This is part of the charity's new campaign 'Survival Is Not Enough' which aims to highlight how stroke is both a medical emergency and a lifelong condition with survivors needing robust rehabilitation to recover well.

Robert King, Senior Health Economist at LCP Health, who conducted the economic analysis added: “Behind these costs of stroke are people whose lives, independence and wellbeing are significantly affected, as well as families and carers who may provide support over many years.

Whilst not every stroke can be prevented, earlier action to identify and manage risk factors could reduce the number of avoidable cases. This would mean fewer people experiencing potentially life-changing effects, while also easing future pressure on the NHS, social care and the wider economy.”