Chest Heart & Stroke Charity Says The Scottish Government Has Failed Stroke Survivors in Ayrshire and Arran

Just over half of all stroke patients in Ayrshire and Arran received care defined by national standards last year. 

Figures released by Public Heath Scotland this week as part of their Scottish Stroke Improvement Programme revealed the country is falling unacceptably short of its own target of 80% of stroke patients receiving an inpatient bundle which aims to ensure the best chance of survival and recovery. 

The bundle, which includes aspirin, access to a stroke unit, brain imaging, and swallow screening was given to just 52.9 per cent of Scotland’s 11,341 stroke patients. 

• In Ayrshire and Arran, 55.2% of stroke patients got access to necessary standards of treatment

  
  

• There were 852 strokes in the NHS Ayrshire and Arran region in 2024

  
  

• For the seventh straight year the Scottish Government has failed to meet its own national stroke care bundle target of 80%

In Ayrshire and Arran, 55.2% of 852 stroke patients received the inpatient bundle in 2024, an increase of 5.7% from 2023 but still well short of the Scottish Government’s target of 80%. 

Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, the country’s largest health charity, is urging the Scottish Government to make stroke care an urgent priority as well as demanding widespread improvements for the delivery of thrombectomy, a potentially life-changing procedure.  

Stroke is still one of the biggest causes of long-term adult disability in Scotland, and the quality of care is crucial for recovery.    

Allan Cowie, chief operating officer at Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, said:

“Unfortunately, once again, the statistics laid out by Public Health Scotland make for grim reading.  

“Although there has been an improvement in Ayrshire and Arran there is still a lot more work to be done to achieve the 80% target set by the Scottish Government. 

“Sadly, this is the seventh straight year that the Scottish Government has failed to hit its own targets for stroke care. This government has failed stroke survivors and is failing our NHS colleagues who are doing the absolute best they can with the inadequate resources they’re currently being given. 

“While we recognise the financial constraints facing the government, the continued underinvestment in stroke care is resulting in significantly higher long-term costs - both through prolonged hospital stays and the extensive support required for individuals living with stroke-related disabilities. This ongoing shortfall is not only economically unsustainable but is also costing lives. Immediate action is imperative." 

If you’re living with the effects of a chest, heart or stroke condition or Long Covid and are looking for advice and information, please contact Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland’s Advice Line on 0808 801 0899. You can also text ADVICE to 66777 or email adviceline@chss.org.uk.