Stroke patients left waiting as Scottish Government fails to deliver
Despite a clear commitment to deliver round-the-clock treatment, hundreds of patients are still being denied access to thrombectomy, one of the most effective and time-critical stroke interventions available. This procedure, which removes blood clots from the brain, can triple a patient's chance of regaining independence after an ischaemic stroke. Yet access to it remains severely restricted.
Currently, only NHS Lothian offers the service seven days a week. That means a patient in Edinburgh may be treated within hours, while someone in nearby Fife may have to wait until Monday, missing the critical window for intervention and facing a much greater risk of lifelong disability.
In 2023, only 153 patients in Scotland received a thrombectomy, despite clinical estimates suggesting nearly 1,000 people were eligible. That's not a system under pressure; that's a system failing by design.
I questioned the Scottish Government on this issue, but we are still awaiting meaningful answers. More than two years have passed since the Stroke Improvement Plan was published, and implementation has stalled. Most health boards remain limited to weekday hours, a shocking shortfall when stroke outcomes are measured in minutes.
I recently met with the Stroke Association, whose tireless advocacy has been central to the campaign for a fully funded, nationwide thrombectomy service. They report that the procedure could save the NHS up to £47,000 per patient in long-term care, underscoring both its clinical and economic value.
Meanwhile, other nations are moving ahead. In Ireland, nearly 9% of stroke patients receive a thrombectomy, six times the rate in Scotland. Clinicians across NHS Scotland say they have the expertise and are ready to expand the service, but lack the necessary resources, infrastructure, and national coordination.
Stroke survivors shouldn't face worse outcomes because of their postcode or the day they fall ill. The time for reviews is over. The Scottish Government must act because the longer we wait, the more lives we put at risk.
Foysol Choudhury MSP signs the pledge
Like this:
Like
Related
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Edinburgh Reporter
12 hours ago
- Edinburgh Reporter
Stroke patients left waiting as Scottish Government fails to deliver
Every weekend, stroke patients across Scotland are left waiting for care – a consequence of The Scottish Government's failure to implement the national stroke service it pledged more than two years ago. Despite a clear commitment to deliver round-the-clock treatment, hundreds of patients are still being denied access to thrombectomy, one of the most effective and time-critical stroke interventions available. This procedure, which removes blood clots from the brain, can triple a patient's chance of regaining independence after an ischaemic stroke. Yet access to it remains severely restricted. Currently, only NHS Lothian offers the service seven days a week. That means a patient in Edinburgh may be treated within hours, while someone in nearby Fife may have to wait until Monday, missing the critical window for intervention and facing a much greater risk of lifelong disability. In 2023, only 153 patients in Scotland received a thrombectomy, despite clinical estimates suggesting nearly 1,000 people were eligible. That's not a system under pressure; that's a system failing by design. I questioned the Scottish Government on this issue, but we are still awaiting meaningful answers. More than two years have passed since the Stroke Improvement Plan was published, and implementation has stalled. Most health boards remain limited to weekday hours, a shocking shortfall when stroke outcomes are measured in minutes. I recently met with the Stroke Association, whose tireless advocacy has been central to the campaign for a fully funded, nationwide thrombectomy service. They report that the procedure could save the NHS up to £47,000 per patient in long-term care, underscoring both its clinical and economic value. Meanwhile, other nations are moving ahead. In Ireland, nearly 9% of stroke patients receive a thrombectomy, six times the rate in Scotland. Clinicians across NHS Scotland say they have the expertise and are ready to expand the service, but lack the necessary resources, infrastructure, and national coordination. Stroke survivors shouldn't face worse outcomes because of their postcode or the day they fall ill. The time for reviews is over. The Scottish Government must act because the longer we wait, the more lives we put at risk. Foysol Choudhury MSP signs the pledge Like this: Like Related
Scottish Sun
12 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
SNP health chief Neil Gray told to ‘grow a backbone' after dodging trans changing rooms row at NHS meeting
Critics slammed Mr Gray for backing NHS bosses amid claims they are pursuing a witch hunt against Ms Peggie CASE SNUBBED SNP health chief Neil Gray told to 'grow a backbone' after dodging trans changing rooms row at NHS meeting Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) NEIL Gray was last night told to 'grow a backbone' after dodging the trans changing rooms row at a summit with NHS chiefs. Nats' Health Secretary is said to have only chatted to bosses about dental care three days after Sandie Peggie was cleared of misgendering a male-born medic Dr Beth Upton. Sign up for the Politics newsletter Sign up 5 Neil Gray was told to 'grow a backbone' after dodging the trans changing rooms row Credit: Andrew Barr 5 Critics slammed Mr Gray for backing NHS bosses amid claims they are pursuing a witch hunt against Sandie Peggie Credit: Getty 5 Ms Peggie was cleared of misgendering a male-born medic Dr Beth Upton Credit: Alamy NHS Fife issued a 1,700-word statement the day after the meeting alleging the nurse's lawyers used the media to discredit them in a furore over the use of female-only spaces at Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy. Last night, the Scottish Government insisted ministers were not consulted on the statement — and that board chiefs had not sought permission to release it. Asked if Mr Gray discussed the case at the July 17 meeting in Glenrothes — also attended by local MSP and Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth — a spokesman replied: 'No. Discussion at the meeting focused on NHS dental care in Fife.' Critics slammed Mr Gray for backing NHS bosses amid claims they are pursuing a witch hunt against Ms Peggie. She alleges victimisation at a tribunal which has so far cost taxpayers £220,000. Tories' equalities spokeswoman Tess White said: 'It beggars belief that Neil Gray didn't use this meeting to confront NHS Fife chiefs over their shocking handling of this case. 'He should have had the guts to demand they apologise to Sandie for the disgraceful way she's been treated. Instead, hours later, the health board churned out a shocking statement. It's time Neil Gray grew a backbone and demanded resignations.' A Scottish Government spokesperson said: 'The Health Secretary met with NHS Fife to discuss dental care in the area.' We told how NHS Fife chiefs said they had called cops to probe trolls threatening staff with 'sexual violence' over the case. It said: 'Online debate has evolved into much more worrying behaviour.' Trans women are NOT women, Supreme Court rules in win for anti-woke campaigners after battle over female-only spaces But their statement was condemned by Information Commissioner David Hamilton. Scots Tory chief Russell Findlay has called for NHS Fife chief Carol Potter and the board to step down. 5 Tories' equalities spokeswoman Tess White Credit: Alamy
Glasgow Times
14 hours ago
- Glasgow Times
Concerns rise among authorities over supply of weight loss drugs
It comes as an increased amount of people turn towards medicine to help them lose weight. Some of the drugs have recently become available on the NHS but the majority who use them purchase them from online pharmacies and in private because it is not regularly prescribed by the NHS. Many doctors in Scotland are unable to prescribe them due to the cost with the two main drugs being semaglutide under the brand name WeGovy and tirzepatide under the brand name Mounjaro. This has led to a black market for the drug and a letter was sent to healthcare professionals to tell them to be cautious of potential illicit drugs and to report anything they may find to Police Scotland. The force is not running an official investigation at this stage, but it is asking for any information that may help them in the future if the problem continues to grow. In the letter, seen by The Herald and sent by the Scottish Government's Chief Pharmaceutical Officer Professor Alison Strath, reveals that a number of NHS weight management programmes have attendees who have told them they are using the drugs without a prescription. This has caused concern for medical professionals and the Government and the letter is encouraging staff to report the illicit supply anonymously. It is estimated almost 1.5 million people across the UK are using the GLP-1 injections such as Mounjaro and Wegovy. Figures also show that 80% of those are buying from online retailers and the fear is that many are paying out cash regularly but not receiving the correct medicine. A [[Police Scotland]] spokesperson said: 'We work closely with a range of partners including Public Health Scotland, the [[Scottish Government]], alcohol and drug partnerships and drug support services to identify current or emerging trends caused by substance use, including the use of unlicenced or unprescribed medications 'We would urge the public to be aware of the risks of misusing any medication and report any concerns about criminality to us so they can be fully investigated.' A Scottish Government spokesperson said: 'Anyone seeking to use weight loss medication should only do so, under medical supervision, and where medicines are prescribed by a registered healthcare professional. The supply of medicines without a prescription is illegal. 'The Chief Pharmaceutical Officer wrote to healthcare professionals on 17 July with updated guidance on how to report the known or suspected illicit supply of obesity medicines after feedback from healthcare professionals working in NHS weight management programmes about people privately sourcing supplies of obesity medicines without a prescription. 'Any healthcare professional with concerns over this should contact their health board's Fraud Liaison Officer (FLO). They can also report it anonymously to [[Police Scotland]] via Crimestoppers or by asking the FLO to complete a NHS Counter Fraud Services form on their behalf.' The drugs are taken as an injection once a week and make you feel full so you eat less, and can help people lose up to 20% of their bodyweight. It was initially a drug licensed to treat Type 2 Diabetes but has since become an option for dealing with the obesity crisis, with two thirds of Scottish adults overweight and 32% living with obesity, which is the highest level recorded in more than 20 years. Read More The drugs also have side effects that can have a dangerous effect on patients, including sickness and diarrhoea while more severe cases show a risk of pancreatitis and gastroparesis. Medical professionals are worried about the impact the illicit drugs are having on the market with Dr Jack Henderson of the Stockbridge Clinic fearing patients are receiving dangerous medicines. He said: "We're deeply concerned about people unknowingly purchasing counterfeit medications online. "Many patients have no idea they're buying fake products that may contain dangerous substances or incorrect dosages. We have seen patients who thought they were getting legitimate medication but were actually injecting completely unknown and unregulated substances. "We need much stronger regulation of online suppliers selling these medications. The illegal market has grown exponentially, and even with legitimate NHS access, people continue to turn to cheaper, unregulated sources. 'We urgently need authorities to crack down on these dangerous suppliers before more people are seriously harmed."
