Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland Responds to the Scottish Government’s Programme for Government

In response to the Programme for Government, Chief Executive of Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, Jane-Claire Judson said: “Today’s Programme for Government contains important commitments that have the potential to improve the lives of the 1 in 5 people living with chest, heart, stroke and other long term conditions across Scotland.  

“The renewed commitment to deliver a national 24/7 thrombectomy service is particularly welcome. For many stroke survivors, timely access to this life-changing treatment can mean the difference between disability and recovery. This reflects years of determined campaigning by Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland alongside people and their families affected by stroke, clinicians and partners across the sector. The focus must now be on ensuring it is delivered equitably for patients, wherever they live. 

“We also welcome a continued focus on prevention and early intervention. Supporting people to understand their health risks and take action before they become seriously unwell is one of the most effective ways to improve outcomes and reduce future pressure on health services. Through our existing Health Defence Hubs and new Healthy Heart and Lung Checks partnership with the Scottish Government, we’ve seen first-hand how working together and meeting people where they are can help identify risks earlier, reduce inequalities and support people to make lasting changes to their health.

“It is disappointing that rehabilitation has not received the commitment it urgently needs. For people recovering from stroke and living with other long term conditions, rehabilitation is not an optional extra; it is a vital part of recovery, helping people regain independence, improve their wellbeing and live life to the fullest. Significant gaps remain, and access to high-quality support should never depend on where someone lives. We remain committed to working with the Scottish Government to help people live well in their communities. The Programme for Government rightly recognises that supporting people closer to home delivers better outcomes for individuals while making the most effective use of limited public resources. 

“We will continue to press for the action needed, and to work in partnership with, the Scottish Government, NHS partners and communities to ensure people receive the treatment, rehabilitation and support they need, wherever they are in Scotland, so that no life is half lived.”