World Stroke Day 2026

Joint statement from Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, The Stroke Association and the Bundy family following World Stroke Day on Thursday 29 October 2026.

“We are grateful to Gary Bouse MSP for bringing forward this week’s Members’ Debate on stroke care to mark World Stroke Day and for speaking so passionately about the urgent need to improve access to thrombectomy across Scotland. We also thank MSPs from across the chamber who contributed to this important discussion, many of whom drew on their own experiences, or from those of constituents and families affected by stroke, to underline the need for action.

“During the debate, Maree Todd MSP, Minister for Mental Wellbeing, Public Health, Sport, Alcohol and Drugs, reaffirmed the Scottish Government’s commitment to delivering a national 24/7thrombectomy service, announcing that a roadmap for delivery will be published in March 2027, with implementation beginning in April 2027.

“This commitment offers real hope for the future of stroke care in Scotland. It is about more than extending a service; it is centred on reducing inequalities, improving outcomes and giving more people the best possible chance of surviving and recovering from stroke.

“Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, the Stroke Association and the Bundy family have long called for equitable access to this life-changing treatment, working alongside people affected by stroke, their families and clinicians.

“James Bundy, whose family’s experience of stroke, including the loss of his father, Anthony Bundy, aged 53, has helped bring the issue of equitable access to thrombectomy to the forefront of public and political debate.

“We look forward to seeing the detail of the roadmap and continuing to work constructively with the Scottish Government and NHS partners to ensure these commitments are translated into meaningful improvements for people affected by stroke across Scotland.”

 

Paul Okroj, Director of External Engagement and Service Development at Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland added:

“Everyday lives are changed forever by a condition that strikes without warning. Stroke affects relationships, employment, communication, mental health and the ability to do the things that matter most to people.

“At Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, we support people at every stage of the stroke pathway, including FAST awareness, which teaches people how to recognise the main warning signs of a stroke and act quickly to save live. Through our Community Health Care Support Service, we help people navigate the realities of life after stroke and rebuild their confidence, independence and wellbeing.

“We have campaigned for equitable thrombectomy access since 2017 and the reaffirmed commitment and timeline for delivery is both welcome and deeply significant.

“Access to thrombectomy should be equitable and based on clinical need, not geography or the time of day a stroke occurs. We have brought the voices of people affected by stroke directly to decision-makers and highlighted the unacceptable inequalities that continue to exist within Scotland’s stroke services.

“While we welcome this announcement, we know that emergency treatment is only one part of the picture. If Scotland is to become a world leader in stroke care, we must continue to strengthen rehabilitation, community support and long-term recovery services, ensuring every person affected by stroke has the opportunity not simply to survive, but to live No Life Half Lived.”