Responding to Public Health Scotland’s latest stroke statistics, John Watson, Associate Director Scotland of the Stroke Association, said: “The latest stroke figures reinforce what the Stroke Association has repeatedly said – that stroke has a huge impact on the health and social care landscape in Scotland, and those who live in the poorest parts of our country are the most adveresly affected.
“The health and social burden of stroke falls most heavily on certain groups. The death rate for cerebrovascular disease in the most deprived areas in 2020 was 43% higher than in our least deprived areas.
“Stroke remains Scotland’s fourth biggest killer. More than 128 000 Scots are living with the effects of their stroke. The need for improvements in stroke prevention, treatment and care is urgent and recognised by the Scottish Government.
“We await the imminent publication of the Scottish Government’s vision report outlining a new progressive stroke service for Scotland.
“We then expect a Stroke Action Plan to follow that quickly – outlining how the vision is to be delivered in Health Boards and communities across Scotland.”
