Stroke deaths higher in deprived Scottish areas, study finds
According to Health and Care Scotland, data from almost 50,000 patients recorded in the Scottish Stroke Care Audit was analysed, focusing on various post-stroke outcomes including death from any cause within a year and prescriptions given to offset potential future strokes.
READ MORE: Scottish Government invests £85m to expand Hospital at Home care service
The study found that stroke patients from deprived areas, especially those with conditions like atrial fibrillation, were less likely to receive guideline-recommended treatment and more likely to be prescribed less effective medication.
Researchers say the findings highlight the need to rethink the national approach to stroke prevention and care, with tailored strategies for more deprived communities to address disparities.
Lead researcher, Dr Kadie-Ann Sterling, said: 'Understanding the differences in stroke presentation and outcomes between different neighbourhoods should influence public health education, decisions around screening for cardiovascular risk factors and should also be a factor when considering more focussed longer-term follow-up in the most vulnerable patients.'
It follows the Scottish Government's launch of a new GP scheme aiming to cut deaths from heart disease and stroke by 20% over 20 years, with a focus on deprived areas where patients are often underrepresented in care.
Researchers noted that stroke survivors in affluent areas tend to have better general health and called for greater awareness of stroke risk factors to help close this gap, adding that mortality differences persist even after accounting for stroke severity, access to care, and other health conditions.
READ MORE: LIVE: ScotRail trains cancelled as cows on the line cause disruption
CHSS have called for urgent action from the Government, with chief executive Jane-Claire Judson saying: 'The worrying trend that people living in more deprived areas are more likely to die within a year of a stroke and less likely to receive the right treatment or consistent care is both alarming and unjust. The postcode lottery for treatment and care must end.
'At CHSS, we're already working in communities to deliver prevention, support recovery, and enable people to self-manage their condition. But we can't do it alone.
'We're calling on the Scottish government and NHS to act now. We need a proactive approach to transforming healthcare services, and CHSS stands ready to help drive forward a fairer and more effective stroke care system for everyone in Scotland.'
The Scottish Government was contacted for comment.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
ITV News
3 hours ago
- ITV News
The Pride of Britain hero with terminal cancer walking to give others hope - and a chance to live
Pride of Britain fundraiser Ian Hensley has conquered the 268-mile Pennine Way, all in support of a cure for cancer that he will not live to see. Sophie Wiggins joined him for ITV News Anglia. 'I've been walking in the mountains since I was 12. If I could die on top of a mountain, I'd be quite happy.' Ian Hensley says this with a quiet conviction. At 71 years old, with a crumbling spine, a terminal diagnosis, and three years of chemotherapy behind him, he has just completed a 268-mile walk along the famous Pennine Way. A walk that ITV News Anglia joined him on for a few days. It's a challenge many wouldn't attempt in full health, never mind living with multiple myeloma, an incurable blood cancer that weakens the bones and drains the body. But Ian, from Northamptonshire, did it anyway, making it from Edale in the Peak District to Kirk Yetholm in the Scottish borders. All to raise money for a cure he knows he will never see. "They've been looking for a cure for more than 20 years," says Ian. "I just thought if I could raise enough money to go towards a cure, well, it won't help me, but it'll help others'. He was diagnosed in 2021, and given a life expectancy of just two to five years. Last year, he completed the Coast to Coast walk, and became ITV News Anglia's regional fundraiser of the year, which landed him a spot as a finalist at the national Pride of Britain Awards. After all of that, he decided to take on one of Britain's toughest long-distance trails. Some days, he says, he was in so much pain he needed morphine to keep moving. At his lowest, he fell and stumbled over and over again, but nothing stopped him from getting back up each time. He admits that he felt a lot fitter this time last year. 'My fitness isn't where it was," he says. "Because of the cancer, quite simply, my body isn't the same. Some days I was so out of it I don't know how I did the miles, but I did. "I just got up the next day and did them again.' I joined him for part of his walk at around the halfway mark, near Middleton-in-Teesdale. 'My legs are not working very well, and my back hurts," Ian tells me. "My breathing is a bit difficult. But other than that I'm okay, so I will carry on. Let's just keep going.' It's not just the miles that matter, it's what they represent. Every step was a small act of rebellion against the limitations of his body, and a quiet vow to keep going, for as long as he can. The three-week journey took him, and the various family members and friends who joined him each day, up mountains, through moorlands, across limestone pavements and peat bogs. Ian's connection to the outdoors runs deep. He spent years as a scout leader, leading others through wilderness. When asked why he loves being outdoors so much, he says: 'I like the solitude, especially at night-time when all the crowds are gone and it's just you left." "It's a place to be calm and quiet.' Ian says it's his friends and family who got him through the challenge. His best friend David not only helped with the logistics and planning, but walked with him, helped to administer medications and more. His friend Grant, "the taxi", ferried him between stops and brought cups of tea during breaks. He was joined by his daughter Hannah too along the trail. Strangers became supporters - rangers, walkers, farmers. Ian told many people along the way about his mission and several were happy to hand over cash there and then for the cause. His wife Gill, Ian says, has been his rock throughout. She says: 'We've said from the start of this that we're in this together. I was worried and had my reservations, but I knew that if he said he could do it, then he'd do it. "Its been hard for us, everything's a lot slower for him now, but he did it, and it's just amazing. He's just so inspirational.' Ian has now raised over £25,000 for Myeloma UK to go towards funding that much-needed cure. When asked how he finds the motivation to complete such a challenge, Ian's answer is simple. 'Because you have to," he says. "You have to just keep going." Ian and his family say they don't really know what the next year will hold. 'We don't have any more big walks planned for the foreseeable, but it's not totally out of the question," he tells me. For now, he says he wants to focus on his health, on enjoying dog walks round the village, spending time with his wife, Gill, and supporting his grandson, Charlie, who is currently training to run the London Marathon for Myeloma UK. 'We don't know how long I've got,' he said. 'But this gave me something to aim for - through the hardest part of my life, and I don't plan to stop walking yet.'
The Herald Scotland
4 hours ago
- The Herald Scotland
Let trans women into women's shelters, say SNP ministers
But the suggestion drew strong criticism from campaigners, who said the Scottish Government was misrepresenting the law. 'Services are either single-sex or open to everyone, and there are no circumstances where it is legally possible to provide a service for 'biological women and trans women',' Trina Budge of For Women Scotland told The Herald. READ MORE Three months ago, the UK's highest court ruled that 'women' and 'sex' in the Equality Act 2010 referred to biological sex rather than gender identity. The court case was brought by FWS after they challenged the Scottish Government's guidance on the definition of 'woman' in the Gender Representation on Public Boards (Scotland) Act 2018. Following the Supreme Court ruling, the commission issued draft guidance on a range of topics, including how single-sex services can be lawfully provided, when trans people can be excluded, and when organisations might request a birth certificate or Gender Recognition Certificate. The draft said any service offered to 'women and trans women' is not a single-sex service under the Equality Act and could amount to unlawful discrimination against those of the opposite sex. The EHRC later opened a consultation on the draft to help formulate an updated Code of Practice. The commission said it received more than 50,000 responses. Final guidance had been expected before Parliament broke for summer earlier this week, but the EHRC said last week it would be published later in the year. For Women Scotland won the Supreme Court in April (Image: PA) The Scottish Government quietly published its response to the consultation on Friday afternoon. Ministers raised concerns that the commission's draft code placed too much emphasis on when trans people can be excluded from services, and not enough on how services can remain inclusive within the law. 'We consider that it would be helpful to provide illustrative examples within the Code of Practice to provide guidance on how a service provider may lawfully implement an inclusive approach,' the Government said. 'This would be particularly helpful in situations where a service provider has identified a need that exists for both biological women and trans women, for example in relation to those who have experienced domestic abuse, homelessness or trafficking. 'Without this clarity, providers may simply stop offering any services to trans people due to concerns about legal risk.' They also warned that, following the judgment, some trans people had chosen to 'remove themselves from public life' out of fear of being turned away from services. In its submission, the Scottish Government also said it was also concerned about what it described as 'social policing' of someone's sex. 'We note that the impact of the guidance may lead to situations where some members of the public will take it upon themselves to judge appearances and assume someone's sex based on their perception of that person's sex or gender identity. 'This sense of distrust in others and social policing of bodies is detrimental not only for trans and non-binary people, but for those who are born male or female who may not fit into society's current expectations of what a man or woman looks like, which change over time, and in different contexts and places.' The response also called for advice on how to apply the updated definition of legal sex to workplace facilities, and for consideration of the impact of the code on intersex people. Ms Budge said: 'The Scottish Government still woefully misunderstands the Supreme Court judgment on how the Equality Act works. "Services are either single-sex or open to everyone, and there are no circumstances where it is legally possible to provide a service for 'biological women and trans women'. 'We note that in pushing for this option, the Government has dropped its previous legal argument that a man needs a GRC to access a women's service and reverted to, once again, looking for ways to include men in women's services on a self-ID basis. 'Women who have suffered domestic abuse or trafficking do not wish to be put in sleeping accommodation with males for very good reasons of privacy and safety, and it is beyond our understanding why the Government keeps trying to insist otherwise." Lucy Hunter Blackburn from the MBM policy collective said: 'The response suggests that the Scottish Government has learnt little from the past few years. "It remains fundamentally unsympathetic to the rights and needs of women as a sex, and strongly wedded to defining 'women' as a group that must include some men. 'As a result, it appears to misunderstand both the judgment and the role of the EHRC. It still seems to believe, wrongly, that managing single-sex services and spaces must involve 'balancing' the rights of women against those of a sub-set of men. 'It is resisting clarity in favour of complication, and in doing so providing poor leadership to all Scottish public bodies who now just need to make the law work on the ground.'
Scotsman
5 hours ago
- Scotsman
Itchy Pet Awareness Month shines light on skin conditions in Scotland's pets
In Scotland, a Zoetis UK survey of pet owners revealed similar concerns about skin-related discomfort in pets. Around 71% of owners reported noticing their pets licking excessively, 65% had observed scratching, and 38% had seen rubbing - behaviours that can signal underlying skin issues. Free weekly newsletter Join our weekly YourWorld newsletter for updates, behind-the-scenes insights from our editors and your chance to shape what's next. Free weekly newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... With the warmer weather lifting our spirits, many of us are spending more time with our pets, enjoying brighter days and longer evenings. But while the warmer weather brings joy for humans, it can be a little tougher on our furry friends. Heat alone can be uncomfortable for pets - and when itchy skin is added into the mix, it can make things even worse. In fact, itching is one of the top three reasons why people take their dog to the vet. In Scotland, a Zoetis UK survey of pet owners revealed similar concerns about skin-related discomfort in pets. Around 71% of owners reported noticing their pets licking excessively, 65% had observed scratching, and 38% had seen rubbing - behaviours that can signal underlying skin issues. Despite this, 11% of Scottish pet owners were unaware that cats and dogs can develop allergic reactions. Just over one in five (21%) said that itchy behaviours were affecting their sleep, yet many may be overlooking the warning signs. In fact, 58% of respondents considered daily scratching, licking, or rubbing to be normal, when these habits may point to treatable skin conditions. More than half (58%) expressed heightened concern about their pet's health during the summer, with 26% identifying seasonal allergies as a particular worry. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Itchy Pet Awareness Month (an awareness milestone coined by animal health company Zoetis) this August serves as an important reminder that all cats, dogs and other furry animals can suffer from allergies too. This initiative shines a light on the importance of being vigilant when it comes to dogs itching themselves and ensuring that this condition is not overlooked by owners. Unlike humans, pets are more likely to show signs through their skin. Persistent scratching, nibbling at paws, or rubbing up against furniture can sometimes be dismissed as 'just a behavioural thing', when in fact, these may be a pet's only way of asking for help and they can be early signs of discomfort in our four-legged friends. Person holding corgi/dog's face in their hands Up to 15% of dogs are estimated to suffer from allergies, yet surprisingly, a recent survey from Zoetis revealed one in 10 pet owners (11%) don't realise cats and dogs can develop allergic reactions at all. Additionally, nearly two-thirds (64%) of pet owners think daily scratching is 'normal', when it is actually often a symptom of discomfort. Zoetis UK are calling for all pet owners to keep a close eye on their pets during these warmer months, looking out for behaviours such as persistent chewing at paws, brushing against furniture, or any indication of unease. Jonathan Lambert, Vet and Companion Animal Veterinary Lead at Zoetis explains, 'Itchy skin in pets is more common than people realise. While we might expect to see sneezing or sniffles, many allergic responses in dogs and cats show up as excessive licking, scratching, or red and irritated skin. These signs are often missed or mistaken for behavioural quirks, but they can be a signal that something's not quite right. The good news is that help is available – your vet can work with you to identify the cause and recommend ways to offer the most appropriate sources of comfort.' Top tips for pet owners this Itchy Pet Awareness Month: Look beyond the obvious – Constant scratching, licking paws, or head shaking can all be signs of underlying irritation. Trust your instincts – if something seems off, it probably is. – Constant scratching, licking paws, or head shaking can all be signs of underlying irritation. Trust your instincts – if something seems off, it probably is. Don't dismiss 'doggy habits' – Behaviours like rubbing against furniture, scooting, or biting at the same spot repeatedly can indicate a skin issue, not just a funny quirk. – Behaviours like rubbing against furniture, scooting, or biting at the same spot repeatedly can indicate a skin issue, not just a funny quirk. Keep skin and coat healthy – Regular grooming helps you spot changes early and keeps the coat clean and comfortable. If the skin looks red, greasy, or flaky, speak to your vet. – Regular grooming helps you spot changes early and keeps the coat clean and comfortable. If the skin looks red, greasy, or flaky, speak to your vet. Stay flea smart – Even one bite from a flea can trigger intense itching in sensitive pets. Keeping up with preventative treatments is key. – Even one bite from a flea can trigger intense itching in sensitive pets. Keeping up with preventative treatments is key. Talk to your vet – You know your pet best. If their behaviour changes or they seem uncomfortable, don't wait. A vet check can bring much-needed relief and avoid further problems. If you're worried about your pet's behaviour, skin, or comfort then check with your vet. They can help diagnose and treat itchy skin, allergies, heat-related problems, and keep your dog healthy and happy so you can both enjoy summer, without excessive scratching! Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad
