Shetland MSP to host Scottish Parliament event to highlight thrombectomy postcode lottery

Beatrice Wishart MSP is hosting an event with the Stroke Association and Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland at the Scottish Parliament on 12^th June, to bring the plight of stroke survivors across Scotland to the attention of Members of the Scottish Parliament.

Around 10,000 Scottish residents have a stroke every year and the latest figure for Shetland is 37 islanders had a stroke in 2023¹.

Thrombectomy is a lifesaving stroke treatment that removes the blood clot in the brain, which caused the stroke, and reduces the chances of the patient experiencing long-term side-effects such as paralysis, blindness and communication problems.

However, this procedure was only given to one in seven Scots who needed it in 2023, leaving many people with preventable disability and, in some cases, causing premature death.

Thrombectomy cannot be delivered in most Scottish hospitals. It needs specialist staff and equipment, as well as a system that allows eligible patients to be properly diagnosed and to travel from the furthest corners of Scotland to three thrombectomy hubs. These are at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow and the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.

The Stroke Association is campaigning for thrombectomy to be available 24/7 across Scotland. The thrombectomy event being hosted by Ms Wishart will provide MSPs with the harsh facts on thrombectomy, as well as an opportunity to speak to stroke doctors about the transformative effects of the treatment.

Beatrice Wishart said: “Stroke is one of Scotland’s biggest killers and a leading cause of adult disability. I’ve been distressed to hear how poor stroke treatment is across Scotland and I am delighted to be sponsoring the Stroke Association and Chest, Heart & Stroke’s event at the Scottish Parliament to promote discussion about this important issue.

“I want the very best stroke treatment to be available across Scotland to anyone who needs it, and I will be championing that cause.”

John Watson, Associate Director of the Stroke Association in Scotland, added: “Getting the best stroke care shouldn’t depend on where or when your stroke happens. Creating a round-the-clock national thrombectomy service has been a national priority for years, and yet the sad reality is that most stroke patients needing a thrombectomy still don’t get it.”

Volunteers’ Week (2-8 June) call

Next week is Volunteers’ Week (2-8 June) and the Stroke Association is calling for volunteers in Shetland to come forward and help them enhance support for islanders who may be struggling with the impact of stroke.

Support provided by people who have experience of stroke is a powerful way to help stroke survivors and their loved ones adjust to the life-changing condition. So, the Stroke Association is particularly keen to hear from people who have had a stroke, or have supported someone who has, and want to use their experience to help others.

Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland has an established stroke group in Lerwick, but the Stroke Association’s ambition aims to complement that. It has established stroke hubs in hospitals in other parts of Scotland and is keen to explore appropriate options with NHS Shetland.

The Stroke Association has received National Lottery Community Fund money to expand its support for people affected by stroke in Scotland. Anyone who volunteers would be assisted by a local engagement officer to provide face-to-face support as well as, potentially, telephone support.

There is strong evidence that volunteering benefits volunteers as well as the people they support. Stroke Association volunteers say it helps them to feel they are giving something back, as well as being able to meet new people and develop their skills and confidence.

Anyone wishing to volunteer with the Stroke Association can contact the charity’s engagement team in Scotland at engagementteamscotland@stroke.org.uk.

The Stroke Association supports stroke survivors and their families online, by phone and in the community. Find out more at www.stroke.org.uk/scotland