Thrombectomy services in Scotland
Published: 7 December 2022
Dr Terry Quinn has been coordinating a national response to the recent announcement that Scottish Government would reduce funding and staffing for thrombectomy services
University of Glasgow researchers have helped develop many of the therapies that we use to treat stroke. A life saving and life changing emergency treatment involves removing clot from an artery to restore blood flow. This procedure, mechanical thrombectomy, is considered standard care in most countries. However, Scotland has lagged behind other countries in implementing the treatment. So, the recent announcement that Scottish Government would reduce funding and staffing for thrombectomy services was disappointing news.
In response, SCMH Reader and Scottish representative to the British and Irish Association of Stroke Physicians (BIASP), Dr Terry Quinn has been coordinating a national response. Working alongside the Stroke Association, Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland and stroke clinicians across the country, he has written to and spoken with the Cabinet Secretary for Health to express his concern.
The issue was picked up by news outlets and featured on STV as well as most UK newspapers. It will also be discussed by Terry at the next Scottish Parliament Cross Party Group.
Terry said: ‘In my clinical academic role, I have the privilege of being able to draw upon both research data from University of Glasgow and frontline NHS experience to support my arguments to increase funding for this vital treatment.’
First published: 7 December 2022