John Watson on an ambitious document that could improve stroke services

Stroke is the fourth most common killer in Scotland and the leading cause of disability.

Great advances have been made over the years in stroke care, including through the efforts of frontline healthcare staff, an innovative research programme and the introduction of new treatments that can save lives and reduce disability. This positive action has resulted in real change to stroke care and support in Scotland.

However, stroke remains a clinical priority in Scotland, because there is so much more to do, to ensure lives are saved and rebuilt again.

That is why we were pleased to see last month’s publication of the Scottish Government’s Progressive Stroke Pathway, an ambitious vision document that sets out where health boards need to be in order to develop and deliver this ideal stroke service in their area.

Despite months of extraordinary pressures on health and social care due to the pandemic, stroke services held up well overall. In addition, clinical and health policy experts, determined to meet the commitments outlined in the 2019/2020 Programme for Government, came together and produced this robust, evidence-based document. There was wide consultation of the proposals with relevant stakeholders, including charities such as our own, and people affected by stroke. We are happy to give our backing to it.

The pathway covers action to prevent strokes, through to emergency response, acute medical care and on to the rehabilitation journey, first in hospital and then in the community.

Whilst it is an aspirational document, it provides a clear framework from which to develop an implementation plan. This plan will pose significant challenges for those responsible in delivering it. Often such challenges require senior leadership to make the necessary decisions around policy and resourcing.

In recognition of this, the document states that each health board must designate one named individual answerable for their performance in delivering the new stroke pathway, and they too must account for what they are doing to prioritise stroke. We welcome this move to ensure those who need vital support receive it.

Meanwhile, we need the cabinet secretary for health and social care to spell out what prioritising stroke actually looks like, and to direct, and enable, our health and social care services to act accordingly.

As for now, we believe that focus must quickly shift to the practical steps necessary to turn these aspirations into reality on the ground in all of our communities. We are happy to give our support to the new vision for stroke in Scotland, we will be doing everything we can to see it translated into real change on the ground, and to improve the lives of people affected by stroke.

All those involved or affected by stroke, can play a part in making this happen. A first step towards this, would be to ask you to read the pathway document found here. You can also sign up to our campaigns network to keep abreast of developments in relation to the pathway and to get involved in campaigns activity.

None of us want to fail the 10,000 Scots who have a stroke each year and the 128,000 people living with the effects of their stroke. So please take action now.

John Watson is associate director Scotland at the Stroke Association.