Stroke care target missed for eighth year in row

The Scottish Government is still “failing stroke patients”, a charity has warned after fresh figures showed treatment targets were missed for the eight consecutive year.

The annual stroke care report published by Public Health Scotland found a small increase (by 3.6 percentage points) in the number of stroke patients who receive what is known as the bundle – a swallow screen, brain imaging, aspiring and admission to a stroke unit.

However, it is still only just over half (56.7 per cent) – well below the government target of 80 per cent.

There was also a small increase in the number of people who received thrombolysis, to 11.6 per cent.

But the number of patients who underwent thrombectomy remained the same at 1.9 per cent. International comparisons suggest the number of stroke patients typically suitable for this procedure is nearer 10 per cent.

Joanne Graham, director of service delivery at Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland, said while there was some “welcome progress”, improvements were “not being achieved at the pace required”.

She said: “These challenges have been recognised for many years, and we need the Scottish Government to build on today’s marginal progress and continue driving better outcomes for people affected by stroke over the next five years. 

“Investing in stroke services, rehabilitation and recovery support can improve quality of life, reduce disability and deliver long-term benefits for both patients and the wider health system. 

“Too often the conversation about stroke ends when a patient leaves hospital, but recovery can continue for months and years afterwards.”

The number of people who had a stroke in Scotland last year was 11,048 – down from 11,367 in 2024.

While the vast majority of patients received aspirin (92.2 per cent) and brain imaging (91.6 per cent), fewer were admitted to a stroke unit (72.1 per cent) or given a swallow screen (70.8 per cent).

No health board in Scotland hit the 80 per cent target for all four elements of the bundle. NHS Shetland performed best, while NHS Borders the worst. NHS Highland, NHS Forth Valley and NHS Lanarkshire made statistically significant improvements compared to 2024.

Public Health Minister Maree Todd said:  “We are focused on ensuring people who have had a stroke receive the best possible care as quickly as possible to enable them to live longer, healthier and more independent lives.  

“Whilst it is welcome to see an improvement in stroke bundle performance, we know there is more to do, and we will continue to work with health boards to drive up standards of stroke care.  

“We have committed to supporting new community gyms for stroke rehabilitation and we have invested over £63m to date on expanding access to thrombectomy procedures. We are clearly focused on delivering a 24/7 thrombectomy service so that thrombectomies are available regardless of location.”  

Scottish Labour has said the figures show Scots are “being let down”. Deputy leader Jackie Baillie said: “Despite the tireless efforts of NHS staff, patients are still facing dangerously long waits for care and limited treatment options. The SNP must admit that this is not good enough and set out a real plan to deliver the standard of care stroke patients need right across the country.”