A progressive stroke service

Sir,

Launching its manifesto ahead of the Scottish elections, the Stroke Association in Scotland is

reminding people that stroke remains a clinical priority in Scotland amid the pandemic.

Covid-19 has been tough for all of us. Thanks to the amazing commitment of some truly dedicated people working in the NHS and in social care, lives have been saved and people have been cared for.

Stroke teams up and down the country have in many areas managed to continue to offer specialist care and treatment to patients throughout the pandemic.

We cannot thank them enough.

But the fallout from Covid-19 is going to pose challenges for everyone in health and social care. Our Recoveries at Risk report last autumn highlighted the real life impact of the pandemic on people recovering from a stroke.

Emerging evidence of links between Covid-19 and stroke means that now, more than ever, a renewed national focus on stroke is needed in Scotland.

Health officials have been working during the pandemic to review evidence and define what ‘a progressive stroke service for Scotland’ should look like.

This will include improved stroke care bundle figures, improved stroke prevention measures, a national thrombectomy service and stroke-specific, person-centred rehabilitation.

The charity is pleased that people affected by stroke will be included in the development of this work.

A draft paper will be with the Scottish Government in the next few weeks.

Whatever the outcome of May’s election, the Stroke Association in Scotland expects the next government to push this work on and for a new, improved progressive stroke service to be implemented.

Colin Oliver, public affairs officer, Stroke Association in Scotland.