Minister urged to provide round-the-clock stroke treatment

Thrombectomy services should be available around the clock in Scotland, as they are in Northern Ireland, according to Far North MSP David Green, who raised the issue in the Scottish Parliament ahead of World Stroke Day on 29 October.

Thrombectomy is a relatively new procedure used to treat some stroke patients, yet access to the procedure in Scotland remains largely limited to daytime hours. Only in Edinburgh is there a service seven days a week.

Speaking at Holyrood, Mr Green said: “At present, stroke services in Scotland are limited to daytime hours; it is only in Edinburgh that stroke patients in Scotland have access to thrombectomy services seven days a week.

“In contrast, if one of my constituents was referred to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, they must be on the treatment table and treated before 5pm, and they would have to hope that it was a weekday.”

Professor Iris Grunwald of the University of Dundee has warned of the consequences of delays, saying: “By the time patients reach a specialist centre, there’s often no brain left to save. Every six minutes’ delay in receiving treatment equates to a 1% lesser chance of a good outcome.”

The Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP also highlighted the experiences of two constituents, including Anne Aitken, who suffered a stroke and was transferred to Dundee for treatment. Since then, she has struggled to access personal carers, social care partnerships and transport to essential services.

Quoted by Mr Green in the chamber, Ms Aitken asked: “How confident or reassured are you that you or a loved one would receive the best possible medical and aftercare if unlucky enough to suffer a stroke here in the Highlands at an inconvenient time?”

Responding at the conclusion of the debate, Public Health Minister Maree Todd MSP said: “Timely intervention can make a life-changing difference to outcomes, and I know that there is a strong consensus across party lines on the importance of expanding access to thrombectomy. Delivering a 24/7 thrombectomy service remains a key priority and we have already invested more than £63 million to expand access.”

Following the debate, Mr Green said: “I welcome the commitment from the Government. A 24/7 thrombectomy service would save countless lives and allow considerably more people to make a better recovery closer to home.

“It is also so important that we invest in inpatient and outpatient stroke rehabilitation capacity and ensure that it is expanded. I have no doubt how big a challenge this is, but it is one Scotland cannot afford to fall back on.

“As we mark World Stroke Day, I wish to pay tribute to the work that is done by Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, the Stroke Association, the health professionals involved in stroke care, and to my constituents who have spoken up on this vital issue.”