Report on Stroke Awareness Day 2015

Saturday 18th April 2015.
At the Spires Shopping MallBarnet EN5.

A Report by Rotarian Dr Ian Johnston


The Stroke Awareness Day on the 18h of April was a great success.  That was due to a number of fortuitous factors.

Firstly, Rtn. Robin Marson had left precise instructions gained from previous Awareness Days so it was a matter of following his written advice.

Secondly, the weather was excellent cool and dry with a breeze so that the gazebo was tethered by bags of salt weighting it down to prevent it flying off.

Thirdly, setting up the camp was made a pleasure by the use of a pop up gazebo and the help of Rotarians Robin Marson, Mike Hodge and a non-Rotarian Gerald Ackroyd.   The staff of the Spires were particularly welcoming and helpful in the placing of chairs and tables and salt bags to secure the gazebo.

Fourthly, was the enthusiasm of Barnet Rotary members who volunteered to be roustabouts and gather the participants into the tent to have their blood pressures measured and advice given as to when their blood pressure should be checked again.  Remarks like ‘don’t be frightened’ or ‘knowing your blood pressure could help you prevent a stroke’ were helpful.  All members arrived on time and often stayed over their allotted period.

Fifthly, was Brian Coleman’s preparation in contacting of the Mayor and Teresa Villiers. Who gladly accepted Brian’s invitation and had their blood pressures measured and their photographs taken.

Sixthly, was the excellent team of local doctors, nurses and medical student who manned two positions in the gazebo measuring blood pressures with only Costa coffee for lubrication.

Seventhly, was the supply of very appropriate forms and literature from the Stroke Association and public liability insurance certificates at no cost.

And an encouraging visit by Laura from the Stroke Association in the late afternoon

Lastly.  And most important, eighth was the wonderful response from the Citizens of Barnet who arrived on mass to sensibly have their blood pressures measured and FAST leaflets gathered in.

All in all, an excellent day during which 148 participants had their blood pressures taken.  Fortunately most were normal but 16 were asked to visit their GP within a week, 23 were asked to visit their GP in a month. Thankfully no one had a BP high enough to be referred to hospital as an emergency.

Dr Ian Johnston