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Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland’s 2026 Scottish Parliament Manifesto

Read the manifesto

1 in 5 people in Scotland live with chest, heart and stroke conditions or Long Covid.
This manifesto is built on their voices, experiences and solutions.
We heard their needs for greater access to rehab, better access to early diagnosis, treatment, GP’s, and more support for unpaid carers. Together with them, we are calling for urgent action to improve care, support and prevention.

As we go into this election we offer practical solutions. We know the third sector is essential in improving Scotland’s health, and we want to lead and be part of that change. The next government needs to recognise everything the third sector has to offer as strategic partners if it is going to make the changes our country needs.

Our manifesto is not a list of demands – it’s a call to build a fairer, healthier Scotland. No matter who forms the next government, they must act. Because people with long-term conditions don’t need more promises. They need change. ”

Jane Claire Judson
Chief Executive
CHSS

Our Asks

1. Prevention & Early Detection

Everyone gets the best chance to reduce their risk of long-term conditions

  • Ask: Create a network of NHS, third sector, and community services to detect risk factors such as cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar and atrial fibrillation.
  • Expand support for women with cardiovascular risks (e.g. PCOS, pre-eclampsia).
  • Introduce a duty for public bodies to consider health in all decisions.
  • Improve access to healthy food and physical activity schemes.
  • Expand CPR training and awareness in communities.

2. Acute & Specialist Care

Everyone can access the high quality specialist care they need for their condition.

  • Key Ask: Deliver an equitable 24/7 national thrombectomy service ensuring everyone can benefit from this essential service regardless of where or when they have their stroke.
  • Key Ask: Support clinicians to develop and implement national care standards for COPD so people with respiratory conditions get the care they deserve
  • Reduce waiting times for cardiology and respiratory diagnostics.
  • Develop national care standards for COPD.
  • Address gender disparities in care and research.

3. Rehabilitation & Supported Self-Management

Everyone with a long-term health condition gets the support they need to live well.

  • Key Ask: A Rehab guarantee – ensure everyone is assessed for support and rehabilitation needs upon diagnosis or hospital discharge, including a rolling patient-centred review
  • Expand access to rehab gyms and pulmonary rehabilitation.
  • Adapt the Diagnosis Connect model to link NHS and third sector support.
  • Develop psychological services for people with communication difficulties.
  • Cut chronic loneliness in half by 2036.

 

4. Health Beyond Healthcare

No one lives in poverty because of poor health, and no one has a long-term health condition because of poverty

  • Key Ask: Review Carer Support Payment to ensure no-one is pushed into poverty by their caring role.
  • Simplify and increase Adult Disability Payment.
  • Expand vocational rehabilitation to help people return to work.
  • Support “good work” that promotes health and wellbeing.

 

 

Why It Matters

  • 85% of CHSS users say NHS is their top priority.
  • 60% say rehab access is essential.
  • Stroke survivors are 3x more likely to live independently with thrombectomy.
  • Stroke, heart disease, and respiratory conditions are rising – especially in Scotland’s poorest communities.
  • Poverty and ill health are deeply linked. Disabled people face higher costs and lower incomes. Disabled households face £975/month extra costs.
  • Cardiovascular disease costs NHS £950M/year.

 

Wilma, stroke survivor

“Thrombectomy saved my life. It must be available 24/7.”

Su, living with bronchiectasis:

“Pulmonary rehab gave me my life back.”

Alice, living with Long Covid

“I had to give up the job I loved. We need better support.”

Hannah, student nurse with Long Covid

“Advice from CHSS helped me graduate.”

Joe, heart attack survivor

"Cardiac rehab helped build my confidence and strength."

Michael, stroke survivor

"Recovery is tough and it's a lifelong journey."

 

A Call to Action

This manifesto is not just a list of demands—it’s a blueprint for a fairer, healthier Scotland.

The next government must act. People with long-term conditions don’t need more promises. They need change.

Together, we can make a real difference.

Join our Campaigner Network now to back our manifesto campaign and get updates on our campaigns, for opportunities to get involved and to see the impact of your support.

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