Latest news with #HealthcareSupport
Daily Record
a day ago
- Health
- Daily Record
Scottish Government failing West Lothian stroke survivors according to leading charity
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 Scottish Government has failed stroke survivors in the Lothians according to a leading charity. More than half of stroke patients in NHS Lothian 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 per cent 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 Lothian, 56.3% of 1,446 stroke patients received the inpatient bundle in 2024, a 2.1 per cent increase from 2023, which is still short of the Scottish Government's 80 per cent target. Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS), 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: 'NHS Lothian is working in partnership with CHSS to enhance stroke care across the region. 'Together, we are delivering CHSS Community Healthcare Support Services, which includes a Community Stroke Specialist Nurse service, Community Support Services, and a six-week supported self-management programme for patients. 'This collaboration is focused on improving the quality of care and supporting better recovery outcomes for people affected by stroke. 'Although there is work to be done to reach the Scottish Government's target we recognise there is a full pathway of support for stroke survivors in the Lothian area. 'We have worked in partnership with NHS Lothian who has offered us a lot of support and investment in stroke care in recent years and we are keen to continue working with them to reach more stroke survivors.' Mr Cowie added: 'Unfortunately, once again, the statistics laid out by Public Health Scotland make for grim reading. '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@
CBC
6 days ago
- Health
- CBC
P.E.I. program is helping parents of children with complex needs navigate health-care system
The Children with Complex Needs Navigation Program started in the winter. It was created in response to a Health P.E.I. survey done a few years ago that suggested most caregivers needed more support. As CBC's Sheehan Desjardins reports, one group says the program is already making a difference.
