Dr. Lisa Hynes:

In the preparatory work done in the development of a national stroke programme, really significant gaps were identified. As a result, the need for psychological support was one of the areas very much highlighted in the national stroke programme. As been pointed out by the rest of the panel, it is really about the implementation. At times, as that review was being conducted, there were no psychological supports available across the country for people who had experienced a stroke. People often describe it as a chain reaction. The whole family is impacted when a member of the family has a stroke. The gaps are vast and absolutely need to be addressed as part of the implementation to take care of all aspects of rehabilitation. The psychological piece is so central because of the mental health implications. Recovery also requires a huge amount of work, effort and energy by the individual and family members involved, and psychological well-being is a huge part of that.