Nearly 1,000 stroke survivors in Scotland missed out on life-changing treatment last year that could have increased their chances of living independently. Specifically, survivors who have an ischaemic stroke and receive a thrombectomy are three times more likely to achieve independence.
However, only 153 thrombectomies were performed in Scotland last year, prompting Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland and the Stroke Association to advocate for improved access to these services. They are urging the Scottish Government to allocate some of the additional £1 billion received from Westminster to ensure that every eligible stroke patient in Scotland can receive a thrombectomy, regardless of their location or the time of day they experience a stroke.
Currently, NHS Lothian is the only health board in Scotland that offers thrombectomy treatment on weekends. This limited access to treatment has resulted in Scotland having lower thrombectomy rates compared to England and even Ukraine, despite the ongoing conflict in that region.
Jane-Claire Judson, Chief Executive of Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, emphasized the importance of timely thrombectomy, stating that the lack of a national thrombectomy service in Scotland is negatively impacting the lives of stroke survivors. She highlighted the need for treatment to be available across the country, regardless of when a stroke occurs.
John Watson, Associate Director for the Stroke Association in Scotland, echoed the sentiment, stressing that thrombectomy is a crucial intervention that can significantly improve outcomes for stroke patients. He emphasized that prioritizing stroke care can have positive ripple effects on the broader health and care system.
One stroke survivor, Agnes-Ann Froude, shared her experience of undergoing a thrombectomy at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee. Thanks to the procedure, she was able to return home within days and avoid lengthy rehabilitation. Agnes-Ann emphasized the importance of expanding access to thrombectomy services to benefit more patients and reduce long-term healthcare costs.
In conclusion, the collaboration between stroke charities and the push for increased access to thrombectomy services in Scotland underscores the critical need for timely and effective stroke treatment. By investing in these services, the Scottish Government has an opportunity to improve outcomes for stroke survivors and alleviate pressure on the healthcare system as a whole.