Cole-Hamilton responds to half of stroke patients not getting necessary care

Responding to new figures that show only half of Scots who suffered a stroke last year received the necessary care package, despite national targets which indicate that 80% of patients should receive a “care bundle,” Scottish Liberal Democrat leader and health spokesperson Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP said:

“An astonishing number of stroke patients did not receive prompt admission to a stroke unit, brain scanning and screening for swallowing problems. It is a complete scandal that so many are being deprived of access to this life-saving treatment.

“These figures come after my party's revelation that it took more than 1,000 days for new stroke guidelines to be put in place.

“Scottish Liberal Democrats were among the first to call for the universal provision of thrombectomy and we will continue urging the government to finally prioritise stroke care by easing pressures across all corners of our NHS. It's absolutely essential that we ensure prompt and comprehensive access to treatment to tackle one of the biggest killers in Scotland."