Laura Buchanan, 41, from Edinburgh, will be taking part in the Edinburgh Half Marathon later this month (Sunday 26 May,) raising funds for the Stroke Association.
Laura’s husband Craig (42,) had a severe stroke 18 months ago. He was left unable to walk and with limited speech, and the family were told to prepare for the worst.
After three weeks at The Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, Craig was transferred to The Astley Ainslie hospital where he underwent intensive therapy for 9 weeks.
With the help of NHS physiotherapy, occupational health and speech and language, 5 days a week, Craig was quickly able to begin to make small improvements. Through sheer grit and determination, Craig continued to recover.
After three months, he walked out of hospital with the help of a tripod – an incredible achievement, and one they’d never imagine he would make. Craig has gone from strength to strength and has now gone back to work, working 12 hours a week.
He has a very supportive family and an amazing group of friends; their support was massively important in his rehabilitation.
Laura said: “I’m absolutely not a runner. I am doing this for my husband, and the Stroke Association. Craig never complains, he just gets on with it. Before the stroke, I didn’t think it would have been possible to love Craig any more than I did, turns out I was wrong. I am in awe of everything he does and so proud to be his wife. When training is hard my mantra is, if he can learn to walk, I can learn to run.
“I knew nothing about strokes, until this happened. Having a stroke is a terrible thing, turning peoples’ lives upside down. I want others to know a stroke could happen to them. Even if you are young, a stroke doesn’t discriminate. By raising awareness, I hope more people will look out for the signs and symptoms of a stroke, no matter what age.”
Claire Pell, Product Officer at the Stroke Association said: “A stroke can happen to anyone at any time, and changes life in an instant.
“About a quarter of strokes happen to people of working age. Fortunately, it is treatable and recoverable, but it is often a long and slow recovery, and the impact can be lifelong. With the help of our fundraisers like Laura, we can help many more stroke survivors rebuild their lives again.
“What Laura is doing is admirable. Attempting a half marathon is no mean feat. The hard work that Laura is putting into this now, and on the day, will be a huge effort of respect to Craig. Thank you, Laura, for raising all the funds you have so far.
“Your fundraising efforts will help raise awareness, fund research, and support people who have had a stroke and their families.”
Veronica Murphy, 70, from Wishaw in North Lanarkshire, is calling for every stroke survivor to get the chance of recovery that she did. Veronica received life-changing rehabilitation treatment after a serious brain haemorrhage in December last year.
Veronica’s call for action comes as the Stroke Association’s ‘Thriving after stroke’ report, published today, urges Health Boards to urgently deliver on government plans to enhance recovery after stroke.
Veronica said: “It was my birthday party on the day I had my stroke. My daughter noticed that there was something wrong with my speech so dialled 999, whereupon I was taken to the Queen Elizabeth hospital in Glasgow.
“At this point, I couldn’t swallow or move the right side of my body. I was very poorly, and don’t remember much. The doctors couldn’t say what kind of recovery I was going to make, and it must have been hard for my family.”
Veronica was transferred to University Hospital Wishaw, where she was put on a clinical trial and spent 10 weeks undergoing intensive physiotherapy.
She continued: “At first my family couldn’t see any improvement. But then one of my fingers moved, and it gave them a glimmer of hope.
“From then on there was no stopping me. I learnt how to stand, took my first step then gradually more with the support of a rail. My physios were amazing and put so much work into helping me.
“On leaving hospital I was given a plan detailing my goals for returning home. I was assigned a community nurse who checked up on me, noted my progress, and left her phone number asking me to call with any questions, at any time. I continued to get regular home visits from the physiotherapist and occupational therapist, and have achieved my goals of climbing the stairs, making a meal, and walking outside with help from my physio if needed.”
John Watson, Associate Director for Scotland the Stroke Associationsaid: “Life after stroke support is a crucial, but under-provided, part of a stroke survivor’s recovery, helping them to regain independence, communicate, return to work, and deal with the emotional trauma that comes from stroke.
“Core rehabilitation therapies, such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy, are complemented by other forms of support to address longer-term practical, social and emotional needs that many stroke survivors have.
“Veronica’s experience shows how access to good stroke rehabilitation can be life changing. Unfortunately, we hear too many stories of stroke survivors leaving hospital not knowing what happens next, or where to turn.
Stroke is a leading cause of disability in Scotland, and there are over 130,000 stroke survivors living with the effects of stroke, many with ongoing support needs.
John continued: “Crucially this investment in people’s recovery saves money by helping stroke survivors regain their independence and reducing ongoing support needs.
“It has never been more important than now, to get life after stroke support right.”
The Stroke Association want to ensure every stroke survivor should:
Leave hospital with a personalised rehabilitation plan.
To maximise the benefit of post-hospital support, every stroke survivor should have their own rehabilitation plan. This should be agreed with the patient and their family or carers and issued before leaving hospital.
Have contact information for ongoing support from stroke services.
Every stroke survivor should have continuity of contact for their recovery from an experienced stroke professional who is familiar with them.
Receive a review of their progress and needs six months after their stroke.
Almost two thirds of stroke survivors leave hospital with a disability, with their needs evolving throughout their recovery. It is therefore vital they receive post-stroke reviews to identify these changes and plan further support or intervention.
Scotland’s Stroke Improvement Plan (2023)points to key pillars of holistic rehabilitation incorporating life after stroke support, including:
Personalised care and support
Patients and practitioners work jointly towards agreed goals
Support to overcome communication and other difficulties affecting patient capacity for decision-making
Psychological and emotional support
Six-month reviews carried out by a healthcare professional knowledgeable and experienced in stroke and familiar with the patient
Consideration of those with caring responsibilities.
Dr Matt Lambert, National Clinical Lead for Stroke and Specialty Advisor to the Chief Medical Officer:“What distinguishes stroke from other neurological conditions is the capacity for recovery. We know that getting the right support, in the right amounts, for as long as it is needed, makes all the difference.
“I want to see every stroke survivor resume their life with enhanced capacity, and with reduced need for ongoing support.
“This clearly benefits those who have had a stroke but also reduces their longer-term dependency on relatives, carers and health and social care services which benefits society more widely.”
Veronica concluded:“More recently, I am thrilled to report that I am now able to walk and pick up my four-year-old grandson, Nathan, from nursery!
“My family means everything to me. Without their support, and the specialist support from NHS Lanarkshire, I don’t know if I would be as well as I am today.
“If there was more investment in stroke rehabilitation, there would be less people requiring support, enabling them to work and be part of their community. It’s a win-win situation. I hope health boards can get on with meeting the commitments in the stroke plan and look forward to seeing Scotland leading in this area.”
Act FAST on the first sign of stroke, the Stroke Association says. The charity is concerned people are waiting for all three of the ‘FAST’ stroke symptoms to appear before raising the alarm.
In fact, the public should be treating stroke as a medical emergency when any one stroke symptom appears. – most commonly these are Face (F) or Arm (A), or Speech (S). The moment a stroke is suspected, is Time (T) to dial 999.
Face weakness: Can the person smile? Has their mouth or eye drooped?
Arm weakness: Can the person raise both arms?
Speech problems: Can the person speak clearly and understand what you say?
Adam Henderson, 24 from Broxburn had a stroke at the age of 23, which initially only presented as one symptom. At the time his stroke began, he was in the hairdresser’s and noticed that as people were talking to him, he had started to grunt, and couldn’t speak properly.
Even though he only had one of the ‘FAST’ symptoms at the time, the customers realised something was seriously wrong with Adam. At this point, Adam’s arms and face were unaffected. They called his partner’s mum – a nurse, who immediately knew it was a stroke. Everyone acted quickly to get Adam the treatment he needed.
Adam said: “When I got to hospital, I couldn’t walk. My head was shaking and the need to fall asleep was overwhelming.”
John Watson, Associate Director Scotland of the Stroke Association, said: “There are amazing treatments for stroke which can prevent death and disability. However, there is a short time period to receive treatment.
“That is why immediate action is needed for any one symptom of stroke. Time lost is brain lost. A typical patient loses 1.9 million neurons each minute in which stroke is untreated, which can lead to death or disability.
“As soon as you notice any one symptom of stroke, it is time to take action. Very few people get all three of the FAST symptoms. Dial 999.”
Although Adam initially only had one FAST symptom (Speech), the inability to walk that he later developed can also be a sign of stroke:
The FAST test helps spot the three most common symptoms of stroke. But there are other signs that you should always take seriously. These include:
Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, including legs, hands or feet.
Difficulty finding words or speaking in clear sentences.
Sudden blurred vision or loss of sight in one or both eyes.
Sudden memory loss or confusion, and dizziness or a sudden fall.
A sudden, severe headache.
When Adam got to hospital, he was quickly wheeled in for a brain scan. The doctors decided that given the seriousness of the stroke, the type of stroke and where it was in the brain that he would be a suitable candidate for clot removal surgery, mechanical thrombectomy.
Adam was a fortunate candidate for thrombectomy, because of the speed people had in spotting his stroke, getting to hospital and receiving a diagnosis quickly. At first, Adam was displaying only one sign of stroke using the FAST test, but thankfully that was enough for those who were with him to raise the alarm.
He was put to sleep and the procedure took 20 minutes. Within ten minutes of coming round, Adam was able to walk again. Having been completely unable to do anything physically before the procedure was performed, the first thing Adam wanted and was able to do, was go and have a shower by himself.
Around one in every three people who receive a thrombectomy following their stroke will be less disabled than they otherwise would have been as a result. Around one in five will be able to function completely independently afterwards.
Thrombectomy is a suitable treatment to save lives and reduce disability for around one in every ten people who have a stroke.
John Watson, Associate Director Scotland of the Stroke Association, said: “Strokes and TIAs [aka mini-strokes] are medical emergencies even if the symptoms appear to get better or go away.
“Treatments for stroke become less suitable over time, so calling 999 as soon as possible leads to the best chance of survival and the best recovery. Look out for any one sign of stroke using the FAST test and take immediate action.
“No matter what festivities are happening around you, at this time of the year, or at any other time, do not delay.”
Any symptom of FAST – take action
Do not wait for all three signs to appear. Any of these signs – even one sign – means you need to take immediate action. Time to call 999.
Adam feels very fortunate that his stroke was recognised and treated as a medical emergency. He is now back at work, driving and has returned to his hobbies.
Now he is urging the public to learn how to recognise the signs of a stroke and take immediate action on should they suspect stroke.
“I was very lucky. I got to hospital fast and received this incredible treatment. Not everyone receives that treatment – one reason being the speed of a person able to identify any of the signs of stroke and taking immediate action.
“I know the people with me at the time are glad they recognised my stroke; they would have felt dreadful should it have been missed. “
John concluded: “Knowing the signs and symptoms of stroke needs to be reinforced on a regular basis to the public.
“That is why we are pleased to see a commitment from The Scottish Government in their Stroke Action Plan, to invest in the Act FAST campaign, and continue to raise awareness of the symptoms of stroke. We look forward to seeing this carried out in Scotland as soon as possible.”
Ahead of World Stroke Day (29 October) the Stroke Association is calling on Scotland’s 14 Health Boards to take immediate action on implementing the Stroke Improvement Plan1 to address the emotional and psychological needs of stroke survivors.
The charity’s concerns comes after they made a Freedom of Information (FOI) request and found:
Only 7.8 WTE Clinical/Neuropsychologists with protected time for stroke for the whole country.
In addition, the Scottish Stroke Care Audit2 revealed in June this year that:
Not one health board is delivering specialised psychological care.
This information has come to light, following the publication of our “Keeping Stroke Recoveries in Mind” report in October last year3, which highlighted the unacceptable level of support for people struggling with the psychological consequences of stroke.
From our survey last year, we know that 94% of stroke survivors experienced a mild impact on their psychological wellbeing. For 39% of stroke survivors, the impact on their psychological impact was severe.
Over two thirds of those (68%) did not believe they were receiving the support they needed. There are over 128,000 stroke survivors in Scotland and 10,000 strokes per year.
Jen Paton, 39, from Paisley, had her stroke last April. Despite recovering well physically, her emotions were unbearable at times. She said: “I felt scared that I might have another stroke. I was worried about my children, then seven and eight years old. I lay in my bed alone, crying and crying.”
Even when Jen returned home, she couldn’t get out of bed, wouldn’t socialise, and felt panic-stricken even to visit her dad in hospital: “I felt hopeless, and life felt pointless.”
Jen’s stroke physician noticed the crushing psychological impact of her stroke and referred her to a psychologist.
Jen continued: “My psychologist was a god send. To have a name assigned to the way I had been feeling was such a relief. I was taught strategies to help with my panic attacks, and the information and advice I was given has helped me to accept the stroke and its effects.
“I got on well with my psychologist. She listened to me, and I felt like I could talk about all my emotions to her without hiding anything. She was a safe person to be with.”
Anxiety, depression, memory and thinking problems can all be part of the psychological consequences of stroke. It can rob someone of their ability to go back to work, socialise and stay in a relationship – never mind stripping someone of their confidence. Some people describe the psychological effects of stroke as worse than the physical effects.
Last year we called on the Scottish Government to include in its Stroke Improvement Plan a commitment to treat the psychological effects of stroke and physical effects of stroke with parity.
The charity also called for the Stroke Improvement Plan to include the implementation of the National Model of Psychological Services (NMPCS)4 for stroke in Scotland.
The National Model highlights the need to involve all staff working with people affected by stroke across the pathway to support patients dealing with the psychological consequences of stroke.
John Watson, Associate Director Scotland at the Stroke Association said: “The progress Health Boards are making to improve psychological services is too slow.
“And there is no escaping the fact that delivering the necessary emotional support for people affected by stroke will involve more investment in the workforce, both in recruitment and training.
“The inclusion of psychological support the new Stroke Plan, is an important step, but that aspiration is still a long way from becoming reality.”
The Stroke Association is calling for:
Health Boards to deliver the National Model with dedicated support from the Scottish Government.
Health Boards to ensure there is an appropriately trained workforce to enable Clinical Psychologists to lead on the implementation of psychological care.
The development of an education and training programme for all staff involved in delivering stroke care.
John continued: “Stroke is a clinical priority in Scotland, and it needs to be treated as such. We will continue to champion the need for improvements in the way stroke psychological care is delivered in Scotland.
“We owe it to everyone affected by stroke to ensure they get the right support to rebuild their life after stroke.”
Nearly half Scots have never heard of aphasia, despite 350,000 people living with the condition in the UK.
New research from the Stroke Association reveals a huge lack of public awareness and knowledge of aphasia – a language and communication disorder most commonly caused by stroke
Of the Scots who have heard of aphasia nearly one in two (46%) are unclear as to what it is
Almost two thirds (68%) of Scots lack confidence in spotting the common effects of aphasia.
To address this and raise awareness of aphasia, the charity has produced a documentary ‘When the Words Away Went’ available to watch on stroke.org.uk/film or stream on Channel 4 from Friday 26th May
New research from the Stroke Association reveals nearly half of the Scottish public (45%) have never heard of aphasia*, despite it affecting over 350,000 people in the UK.
Aphasia is a language and communication disorder – with stroke being the biggest cause. The condition often has a profound effect on someone’s ability to speak, read, write and/or use numbers. There are 128,000 stroke survivors living in Scotland and over a third (40%) will experience aphasia after their stroke.
The new research* from the UK’s leading stroke charity highlights that most Brits don’t know about the disorder, and the huge impact it has on people’s lives. Moreover, nearly half (46%) of those who have heard of aphasia are unclear as to what it is.
To help raise awareness of aphasia, the Stroke Association has launched ‘When the Words Away Went’, a documentary about three stroke survivors living with aphasia embarking on their journey to find their voice and rebuild their lives.
The documentary aims to equip people with the knowledge, understanding and confidence to support those living with aphasia. Currently, most people (72%) lack confidence in recognising its symptoms and less than half of people (42%) would feel confident in communicating with someone with the disorder.
Whilst aphasia does not affect intelligence, the majority of Scots (68%) think being able to speak or communicate well is a sign of intellect, which can create huge barriers for those with aphasia. In fact, a fifth of adults (20%) also admit that, if they met someone who had problems communicating, they would assume that person had a learning difficulty.
John Watson, Associate Director Scotland of the Stroke Association said: “Aphasia is very common, affecting over a third of stroke survivors, so it’s disheartening to see such low awareness and knowledge of aphasia amongst the general public.
“Most of us can’t imagine living with aphasia, but it makes everyday tasks like getting on the bus or talking to a friend daunting, made worse by misconceptions that people with aphasia lack intelligence. This can often lead to anxiety and depression, feeling excluded from society and difficulties with personal relationships.
“We want to encourage everyone to watch our new documentary ‘When the Words Away Went’, featuring stories from three inspiring stroke survivors impacted by aphasia, so the public can better understand the condition and become an ally to those affected. Together we can help make the lives of those living with aphasia a little bit easier.”
The research also highlights other common misconceptions around aphasia including, over a fifth (25%) of Scots Brits believing that aphasia only affects someone’s ability to talk and one in ten people mistakenly thinking that aphasia can’t improve.
Tom Middlemass, 59, from Edinburgh – featuring in the documentary said: “When you have aphasia, you find people shout at you when they talk to you. You get that all the time.
“People need to know that those with aphasia are not dumb. There’s a person behind that voice who is struggling. It’s very hard to get these words out. It exhausts you.”
“The Stroke Association is here for everyone affected by aphasia, providing support and an important reminder that there is hope. Aphasia can and does improve, and with the right help people with aphasia can live normal lives.”
Watch the ‘When the Words Away Went’ online at stroke.org.uk/film or stream on Channel 4 now.
I was honoured and humbled to be given the opportunity to work on Marlon’s stroke journey. It was a complete eye opener into the world of a stroke survivor and I will always be in debt to the Stroke Association and the two amazing stroke survivors who helped show what having a stroke is really like for the 10,000 people who have a stroke every year in Scotland.
There’s 128,000 stroke survivors in Scotland, and it is still the leading cause of adult disability. Many people don’t realise that the vast majority of strokes – around 80-90% in fact – are preventable. Stroke is still chronically misunderstood by the public and underfunded in terms of research, which is incredible when you consider those stats.
That’s why I’m asking everyone to get involved in this year’sGreat North Run for the Stroke Association
This famous event takes place on Sunday 10 September and although the general ballot is closed, the Stroke Association still has charity places available!
Stroke strikes every five minutes in the UK and it changes lives in an instant. However, with our support, the Stroke Association can help more stroke survivors and their families rebuild their lives after stroke.
Responding to the latest annual Scottish Stroke Figures, the Stroke Association has expressed concern that people in Scotland are much more likely to have a stroke than those in the rest of the UK.
The latest data from Public Health Scotland suggests that the incidence rate for stroke (adjusted for age and sex) has decreased by just 2.4% since 2012/13.
John Watson, Associate Director for the Stroke Association, said: “Stroke rates in Scotland are a third higher than for the UK as a whole. We need to see much faster progress if we are to reduce the devastating personal cost of stroke and bring Scotland more in line with its neighbours.
“Worryingly, this report shows that stroke incidence amongst men has actually increased slightly. And those in the most deprived areas are almost twice as likely to be discharged from hospital with a stroke, a gap that has widened in the last year.
“However, there is good news in the report too. Stroke mortality rates continue to decline, indicating that the standard of care and treatment provided by Scotland’s stroke community is helping deliver better outcomes for stroke patients. But even here, there is still much to do.
“We need to see concerted action to address Scotland’s unacceptably high stroke numbers. The Stroke Association is urging greater awareness of and action on atrial fibrillation, a form of irregular heartbeat that greatly increases stroke risk.
“Tens of thousands of people in Scotland are unaware that they have this condition so we urge everyone to check their pulse at home. If it doesn’t feel regular, then go and speak to your GP practice and they can advise on the range of treatments that can dramatically reduce stroke risk.”
Stroke Association urges people to check themselves for ‘silent’ condition, atrial fibrillation
The Stroke Association and BBC Morning Live’s Dr Punam Krishan are urging people to check for a ‘silent condition’ which is one of the leading causes of serious strokes, after a survey showed that few are aware of the link.
It is estimated that around 35,000 people in Scotland are living with undiagnosed atrial fibrillation1 (AF) where the heart beats with an irregular rhythm. When this happens, the heart won’t empty all of the blood out of its chambers with every beat and the leftover blood can form clots which travel to the brain, blocking off blood flow and causing a stroke.
A survey by the charity to mark Stroke Prevention Day on Thursday 12 January revealed that three in four people (75%) did not know that AF is a major cause of stroke2.
AF is linked to around one in five strokes3 – that’s 40 strokes per day and strokes in people with AF are more severe and are more likely to result in death or serious disability.
John Watson, Associate Director for the Stroke Association in Scotland, said:“It’s worrying that so few people know that a little thing like how your heart beats can lead to a massive stroke.
“AF often has no symptoms and a stroke can strike without warning. Don’t let the first sign of your AF be a sudden and life-changing stroke. With early diagnosis and effective management of AF, your risk of a stroke dramatically decreases so it’s vital for people to check it regularly.
“It’s really easy to check your own pulse and our research told us that most people are able to. Feel for your pulse on your wrist or neck to make sure it has a regular beat. If you suspect you have an irregular pulse, contact your GP Practice.”
The survey 2 also revealed that:
Six in ten (67%) said they had never checked themselves for AF
Almost half (46%) said they had never been checked for AF by a healthcare professional
More than eight in ten (86%) said they would be likely to seek medical advice if they felt something was wrong with the rhythm of their heartbeat/pulse
62% said they knew someone who had had a stroke
24% knew someone who had had AF
The charity has a video guide on its website at www.stroke.org.uk/spd23 showing people how they can check their own pulse on their wrist or neck.
Alex Trench had a stroke at the age of 52. Alex ran his own business, a grocer at the time. He describes it as a stressful job. It was a massive stroke leaving Alex unable to sit up, walk or use his arm.
Only two months earlier, Alex had been diagnosed with AF following a check-up with his GP about another health problem. He said: ““I didn’t know anyone with AF nor did I know anyone who had had a stroke, I was only 52!
“Whilst I wasn’t given a definitive answer as to the cause of my stroke, I do wonder if AF may have played a part. I have since sold my business, eat healthily and watch my weight to reduce the risk of having a stroke.
“Importantly, I am now on medication to manage my AF. I would urge people of any age to check their pulse regularly to look out for possible AF. Having a stroke is devastating. I know it. Please do as much as you can to prevent it.”
Although Alex still still relies on a delta frame to walk very short distances and struggles to use his hand, thanks to Alex’ determination and support from others, he has made quite a good recovery.
“I am really pleased to be ‘giving back’ doing voluntary work for the Stroke Association.”
Dr Punam Krishan, a Glasgow GP and presenter on BBC Morning Live, said: ““The good news is that if AF is identified it can be managed really easily.
“If you’ve got AF, you might be given anticoagulant medication to reduce your risk of stroke by making a clot less likely to form, or you might be able to have a one-time electric pulse to get your heart beating regularly.
“The most important thing is to check yourself and contact your GP practice if you think you might have AF. It’s so much better to get your AF sorted before it becomes a problem. Get it checked for your own health and for the sake of your loved ones.”
Trudie Lobban MBE, Founder of the AF Association,said: “The AF Association welcomes Stroke Prevention Day to help detect more people living with AF, yet to be diagnosed.
“Raising awareness of the importance of pulse checks is key to detecting the irregular heart rhythm and leading to more people being diagnosed and receiving appropriate anticoagulation therapy to reduce their risk of an AF-related stroke.
“It is good to see the Stroke Association encouraging the public to be pulse aware to know their heart rhythm – this can save so many from the devastation that strokes can cause, it can even save lives.”
In Scotland, more than five million adults have been diagnosed with high blood pressure. And for every ten people diagnosed with high blood pressure, seven remain undiagnosed and untreated.
That’s extremely worrying to our charity as high blood pressure is the biggest single risk factor for a stroke.
Please consider making a New Year’s Resolution to lower your blood pressure, even by a small amount, to help stay healthy in 2023.
One way to do this is to reduce your sodium intake. Most sodium is in the salt we eat and that’s why we’re proud to support Season with Sense, a public health campaign which aims to drive down consumer sodium intake.
By making small changes to our diet – such as cutting the amount or type of salt we use – we can greatly reduce our risk of serious health conditions such as stroke.
We know it can be hard to cut out salt completely, so it’s good to know there are alternatives to regular table, sea and rock salts, such as LoSalt® – which has two thirds less sodium (66%), without any taste compromise.
When you’re out shopping, look out for the special tubs of LoSalt® on sale in supermarkets. For every tub sold, a 20p donation will be made to the Stroke Association to help fund the vital work we do to support stroke survivors and carers. Last year, the promotional tubs raised a staggering £30,000, all of which helped towards rebuilding lives.
The tubs will also have information on the FAST test. Face, Arms, Speech, are the most common signs that someone is having a stroke. Time tells you that Stroke is a medical emergency and you must phone 999 straight away. By Acting FAST you could save someone’s life or reduce the likelihood of serious disability.
Please note that if you take certain types of medication that affect potassium levels, LoSalt® and other reduced sodium salt alternatives may not be suitable for you. This may include people receiving medication for diabetes, heart or kidney disorders. Check with your GP for advice.
John Watson
Associate Director Scotland, The Stroke Association
Health charities and NHS clinicians have united in a call for the Scottish Government to reverse a cut to the funding of a vital stroke treatment that significantly reduces long-term disability.
More than 150 stroke clinicians have backed a call from charities Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS) and the Stroke Association for the reinstatement of £7m to the national thrombectomy service funding.
An open letter to the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care ahead of the Scottish Government budget next week, says the 50% funding cut and a recruitment freeze is a mistake.
The letter says the savings, which amount to less than 0.1% of Scotland’s total health budget, will create far greater costs, when Scots missing out on the “extraordinarily effective” medical treatment end up needing longer hospital stays, community rehabilitation and social care services.
Thrombectomy is a highly specialised procedure that involves physically removing the blood clot in the brain which has caused a severe stroke. The treatment is suitable for about 10% of stroke patients. People are more likely to walk and talk again, return to work and live their lives to the full.
The Scottish Government has previously committed to rolling out a national thrombectomy service, which would see around 800 stroke patients receive the procedure each year. It is expected to save the health and social care system up to £47,000 per patient in the first five years – a total saving of £37.6m to the NHS.
Ruth Hector, 36, from Stirling said: “I had a stroke at the age of 30. I lost the ability to walk and talk in an instant. I was too young to have a stroke and to feel trapped inside my own body, was scary and hard to comprehend.
“I was taken to The Royal Infirmary in Edinburgh, where after investigations I was able to receive a thrombectomy. After receiving that, I was able to talk perfectly, write and walk around within hours. It felt like I had made a full recovery. I was so thankful for receiving that treatment, I dread to think what it would have been like otherwise.
“I then had another stroke and for some reason wasn’t able to receive a thrombectomy. My recovery has been good with the second stroke, but nowhere near as good as the outcome after thrombectomy.
“I believe everyone should have access to this life saving treatment. My independence is everything. I’m working now, I take part in fundraising events, so truly believe I’m contributing to society and that feels good.”
CHSS and the Stroke Association are jointly calling for the Scottish Government to commit to continuing to fund the service and recruit the staff necessary for a national rollout.
Jane-Claire Judson, CHSS Chief Executive, said: “CHSS and the Stroke Association are united in our plea to the Scottish Government to stand by its commitment to a national thrombectomy service.
“It is unthinkable that the Scottish Government will deny Scots a treatment we know will make a huge difference to their lives for the sake of a small short-term budget saving.
“Hundreds of Scots who have a stroke each year should be able to trust they will get the best possible medical attention and chance of making a full recovery.”
John Watson, Associate Director Scotland at the Stroke Association said: “Thrombectomy saves brains, money and lives. It can change the course of recovery from stroke in an instant, and is one of the most effective medical interventions ever developed.
“We understand the financial pressure the Government is under, but to cut a service that improves patients’ lives while saving money would be a serious mistake. The current resource crisis should lead to thrombectomy being prioritised, not cut.
“That is why we, alongside CHSS and clinicians at the coal face, are calling on The Scottish Government to reinstate its funding for a national thrombectomy service.
“The financial savings of having this procedure are undeniably positive, but the potential outcome without it, could have devastating consequences for stroke patients, including severe disability or death.”
Dr Vera Cvoro, Consultant Geriatrician and Stroke Physician, Honorary Senior Lecturer at The University of Edinburghsaid: “Thrombectomy is the single most effective treatment we have for stroke. Many patients that come to hospitals with a stroke could benefit from this treatment that prevents disability.
“This can mean being able to walk again, talk again and even going back to work. We have the expertise to deliver such treatment and it should be available to all people living in Scotland.”
