A NATIONAL charity which oversees a group supporting stroke survivors in Clydebank has hit out at a “lack of progress” by the NHS in helping people cope with the after effects of the illness.

The criticism by Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland (CHSS) comes after the Scottish Stroke Care Audit 2018 highlighted a “disappointing lack of improvement in community based care and support” for stroke survivors.

Paul Okroj, director of communications at CHSS, said: “Every single day 25 people have a stroke and it’s the single biggest cause of disability in Scotland.

“It’s disappointing that there is a continuing lack of progress in rehabilitation each year and people are not getting the care and support they need.”

Clydebank Stroke Club, which meets on Tuesday mornings and organises a range of activities for members including day trips, is affiliated to CHSS.

Club chairwoman Ellen Cameron, who has survived three strokes, said: “The companionship offered by the club is a big thing.

“Members can talk about things they might not wish to discuss with family members, and everyone loves going on the outings.”

Both the CHSS and the Stroke Association Scotland have expressed concerns about issues raised in the stroke care audit.

Andrea Cail, Scotland director of the Stroke Association, said the group was disappointed to see a significant number of hospitals not performing well against the standard set for thrombolysis – a technique used to dissolve a blood clot, to reduce the disability experienced by people who have had a stroke.

Ms Cail said the Stroke Association was also extremely concerned about the delivery of thrombectomy.

She said: “In 2017, only 13 people received thrombectomy, and currently no centre in Scotland is providing it. The audit identifies around 600 Scots per year as potentially benefitting from this life changing treatment.”

A Scottish Government spokesman told the Post they were committed to ensuring people who have had a stroke have access to the best possible care as quickly as possible.

He added: “Deaths from stroke have fallen 38 per cent between 2006 and 2015 and our Stroke Improvement Plan affirms stroke as a clinical priority.

“We believe that thrombectomy can significantly improve outcomes and quality of life for people who have had an ischaemic stroke by avoiding or reducing the level of disability.”

Work is under way to develop a framework for the provision of thrombectomy for Scotland.