Call to expand treatment for Borders stroke patients
Local MSP Rachael Hamilton has urged the SNP government to expand access to life-saving stroke treatment for residents in the Borders.
In a meeting last week with SNP public health minister Jenni Minto and John Watson (pictured with Ms Hamilton), associate director of the Stroke Association Scotland, Ms Hamilton called for a full 24/7 local thrombectomy service.
Currently, patients in the Borders who suffer a stroke can only access thrombectomy treatment in other health boards during limited weekday hours.
Thrombectomy is a highly effective treatment that can significantly reduce disability and save lives if delivered quickly after a stroke.
However, Borders patients cannot receive it locally, despite national clinician guidelines for stroke victims stating that people should have access to thrombectomy centres 24/7.
Ms Hamilton said: “Stroke patients in the Borders are being let down by a system that does not provide equal access to life-saving treatment.
“Thrombectomy is a proven and successful treatment, yet too many people are missing out simply because the service is not available locally.
“It is unacceptable that access depends on a postcode lottery and the time of day that a stroke happens.
"Patients deserve the reassurance that this treatment will be available whenever they need it.
“The SNP Government has already committed to delivering a 24/7 thrombectomy service across Scotland, but progress has been far too slow.
“I am urging ministers to make good on their promises and set out a clear timeline to deliver round-the-clock access so that Borders residents are not disadvantaged compared to other parts of the country.”