In response to the publication of Scottish Stroke Statistics, Pofessor Derek Bell, President of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh said:
“Scotland has historically been exposed to the risk factors associated with stroke, such as high blood pressure and smoking. While it is encouraging that fewer Scots are now suffering with this illness – there has been a 12.1% decrease in stroke incidence rate over the past decade - there is still much work to be done. For example, we note with concern that stroke related deaths in Scotland were 36% higher in the most deprived areas than in the least deprived areas, in 2017.”
“There must be an integrated approach, based on person-centred care, with a wider focus on prevention. Government strategies including the stroke improvement plan and the diet and healthy weight delivery plan are critical to delivering improvement in treatment outcomes. But this must be supported by the appropriate resourcing of acute stroke treatment in hospital, and hospital doctors in this field must be given the time to teach, train, and research.”
“As a College, we support the drive to ensure that thrombectomy services are available for the people of Scotland. This treatment, if used early, can reduce disability and improve chances of recovery.”
The incidence rate for stroke has decreased over the last decade by 12.1%. In the last decade, stroke related deaths have decreased by 38.7%. The mortality rate for stroke in the most deprived areas was 36% higher than in the least deprived areas in 2017.
