Question reference: S5W-19475
- Asked by: Alexander Burnett, MSP for Aberdeenshire West, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 18 October 2018
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Current status: Answered by Jeane Freeman on 1 November 2018
Question
To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) thrombolysis and (b) thrombectomy procedures have been carried out in the last year; what information it has regarding how this compares with the rest of the UK, and what plans it has to increase to the number.
Answer
The Scottish Stroke Care Programme (SSCP) report 2018 states that in 2017, 1046 (12%) patients with ischaemic stroke received thrombolysis, the highest annual rate so far, and one which compares favourably with the rest of the UK and other European countries. The Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme indicates that the percentage of all stroke patients given thrombolysis from April 2017 to March 2018 was 11.5% in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The SSCP also reports that 13 patients received thrombectomy in Scotland in 2016-17. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland in 2016-17, 537 patients received thrombectomy according to the Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme. We recognise the benefits of thrombectomy which can significantly improve outcomes and quality of life for some people who have had an ischaemic stroke by reducing their level of disability. That is why the Directors of Planning Thrombectomy Advisory Group are producing a national planning framework for the provision of thrombectomy for Scotland. It is intended that this will be completed by early 2018. It will be the basis for moving forward on implementation and spread of thrombectomy provision in Scotland.