Dundee MSPs Joe FitzPatrick and Shona Robison accepted an invitation to visit the acute stroke unit at Ninewells Hospital in August.
The purpose of the visit was to highlight progress with thrombectomy development for the North of Scotland, since the introduction of a pilot thrombectomy service at Ninewells in November 2020.
Mr FitzPatrick said: “We were delighted to be invited along to Ninewells stroke unit to receive an update on the delivery of the thrombectomy service as part of acute stroke care for the North of Scotland. It is a truly amazing procedure which has progressed only due to the skills and expertise of so many people. We are proud to see Ninewells Hospital leading the way for the roll-out of a national thrombectomy service.”
Ms Robison commended the efforts of staff: “It is really exciting to see the great improvements being made at Ninewells and the impressive work being done by all the staff involved. I look forward to continuing supporting the stroke team here to make sure these improvements continue.”
Consultant and clinical lead for stroke at Ninewells Hospital, Dr Matthew Lambert said: “We really appreciated the visit from Mr FitzPatrick and Ms Robison. It is great for staff to receive recognition, and to see genuine interest from their local MSPs in the stroke improvements which they have worked so hard to achieve.
“Carrying out just one thrombectomy depends on so many factors, including the speed patients can get to the hospital and receive all the various tests before undergoing the procedure. Thank you to the Scottish Stroke Improvement Team, Scottish Ambulance Service and all those working with us to make this happen.
“It is so encouraging to see the roll-out of this service beginning to happen across Scotland and to know more eligible patients will benefit from this disability-avoiding treatment.”
Katie MacGregor, Public Affairs and Campaigns Officer at the Stroke Association in Scotland said: “Thrombectomy is only one part of stroke treatment and care. There is a lot more to do and we look forward to furthering improvements with the publication of a revised Stroke Improvement Plan later this year. We need politicians and people in every Health Board to follow developments with us, support progress and ask questions as required."
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