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The RPS recently took part in a flash mob to raise awareness of TIAs, says Jocelyn Parkes, director for the RPS in Wales.

At mid-day on May 1, Cardiff's Queen Street was awash with people wearing purple, all preparing to take part in a flash mob organised by Stroke Association Wales. Members of the Welsh directorate of the RPS took part to highlight that pharmacy is part of the wider healthcare team and patients can expect their pharmacist to support them with their medicines.

The aim of the flash mob was to replicate a blood clot moving through the artery and causing a blockage €“ part of the latest campaign by the Stroke Association to raise awareness of transient ischaemic attacks (TIAs).

The Stroke Association report, 'Not Just a Funny Turn', reveals that thousands of people are putting themselves at risk of a stroke by dismissing their passing symptoms as 'just a funny turn'. Each year it's estimated that 46,000 people in the UK have a TIA for the first time. Yet with symptoms that last no longer than 24 hours, many people are unaware of the link between TIA and stroke and are failing to seek medical attention.

The RPS in Wales is calling on pharmacists to educate patients on the risk factors that can cause a stroke. We need to make time to talk to patients at risk of stroke about any lifestyle changes they could make to help reduce their risk and improve their health, and make them aware of the warning signs.

Pharmacists come into regular contact with patients who take medicines to control conditions such as high blood pressure and atrial fibrillation, two of the major risk factors for stroke. We must ensure they are taking their medicines correctly and are being monitored to keep their conditions under control.