Current status: Answered by Jenni Minto on 18 June 2025
To ask the Scottish Government what analysis it has undertaken regarding (a) the financial impact that stroke will have on Scotland’s health and social care services in the next 10 years and (b) what savings can be made by investing in the expansion of the national thrombectomy service.
The Scottish Government has not undertaken an analysis on the financial impact of stroke on Scotland’s health and social care services in the next ten years.
Research suggests that, on average, every patient treated with a thrombectomy procedure could save the NHS £47,000 over five years, due to the reduction in length of hospital stays and a reduced need for social care input. This economic benefit is in addition to the significant improvements in outcome and quality of life for patients.
We have already invested over £39 million in the thrombectomy service and remain committed to expansion of the service and maximising access to thrombectomies.