Press release —
Stroke Association welcomes promised thrombectomy timetable but calls for urgency
Responding to the World Stroke Day debate in the Scottish Parliament on 28 October 2026, Billy Alexander, Associate Director for the Stroke Association in Scotland, said:
“We welcome the announcement from Maree Todd MSP, Minister for Mental Wellbeing, Public Health, Sport, Alcohol and Drugs, that the Scottish Government intends to publish a roadmap for delivering a 24/7 national thrombectomy service by March 2027, with implementation beginning in April 2027.
“This is an important step forward, and we recognise the strong cross-party support expressed during last night’s debate. We particularly acknowledge the determination of the Bundy family, whose campaigning has helped keep the urgency of delivering this life-changing treatment firmly on Scotland’s political agenda.
“However, while we welcome this announcement, we must be clear that a timetable for beginning implementation is not the same as a commitment to 24/7 thrombectomy being fully operational across Scotland.
“In 2025, just 210 patients received a thrombectomy in Scotland, representing only 1.9% of all stroke patients. Scotland continues to fall behind the rest of the UK in access to this treatment, and too many people miss out on this game changing procedure because of where they live and when they have their stroke.
“I have met with stroke survivors and their families across Scotland and heard about the devastating and lifelong consequences that delayed treatment and inadequate rehabilitation can have. These are not simply statistics. They represent lives changed, independence lost, and families facing challenges that could last for the rest of their lives.
“We now need a fully costed and funded national delivery plan, with clear milestones, workforce commitments, effective emergency pathways and a timetable for AI-supported imaging across NHS boards. Crucially, we need a firm date for when everyone who is clinically eligible will be able to access thrombectomy, regardless of geography or the time of day.
“We also welcome the Minister’s recognition that improving stroke care must extend beyond emergency treatment. The latest national figures show that only 56.7% of patients received all eligible elements of the basic inpatient stroke care bundle in 2025. Improving rehabilitation, including psychological and emotional recovery, must therefore also be prioritised."
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- The Stroke Association is Scotland’s leading stroke-specific charity providing lifelong support for all stroke survivors, their families and carers. We raise awareness of stroke, fund vital scientific research, and campaign to secure the best care for everyone affected by stroke
- Anyone affected by stroke can visit www.stroke.org.uk/scotland or call our dedicated Stroke Support Helpline on 0303 3033 100 for information, guidance or a chat when times are tough
About the Stroke Association in Scotland
