Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland Statement on Scottish Government Budget

Jane-Claire Judson, Chief Executive of Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, said: “The Scottish Government budget creates mixed feelings for us as a charity who represents people living with some of Scotland’s most challenging conditions.
“While the Scottish Government budget makes claims of record investment in the NHS, when it comes to stroke and thrombectomy, what we’re seeing is actually a real-terms cut in funding to those areas which badly need further investment.
“Public Health Scotland figures from July this year showed only half of the 10,803 Scots who had a stroke last year received the necessary care to ensure the best chance of survival and recovery.
“A key part of that recovery, for those who are eligible, is access to thrombectomy. This cost-effective, and potentially life-changing treatment can save the health and care system £47,000 per patient over a five-year period. However, only 1 in 7 people in Scotland who needed this procedure were able to access it in 2023. We needed far greater investment in this area and sadly the Scottish Government has failed to deliver.
“We do however welcome the increase in funding for Long Covid. Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland has consistently called for greater support for those with Long Covid. This funding must be used to ensure people with Long Covid get greater access to the support and treatment they need.”