Stroke victims in Clydebank are at risk of missing out on a procedure which has been shown to significantly reduce the chances of severe disability.

The warning has come from Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland who have called for the Scottish Government to take a clear decision on whether a thrombectomy service will be available to people this year.

This is a highly specialised procedure suitable for around one in 10 people after an acute ischaemic stroke.

The call comes as the health secretary said that a further plan being developed by NHS chiefs will be discussed in May – three months after a detailed plan, backed by patients and clinicians was put to them for approval.

The charity estimates that three months of further planning could mean that 150 people in Scotland could miss out on the procedure which has been shown to significantly reduce the chances of severe disability from stroke.

In January, stroke survivor Robert Baldock and charity Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland handed a petition to the health secretary with over 4,000 people calling for the urgent reinstatement of thrombectomies in Scotland.

Robert was one of the few people to receive a thrombectomy after a stroke in 2017. His campaign has been supported by politicians from across the political spectrum.

Jane-Claire Judson, from Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland said: “Any delays introducing thrombectomy in Scotland have a human impact. It means that doctors will be unable to give a life-changing treatment to people who desperately need it.

“Every missed thrombectomy is a missed opportunity to help someone walk again after a severe stroke, hold those they love, or even say ‘I love you’ using their own voice.

“Despite assurances from the cabinet secretary, it seems we are no further forward.

“We need to see a clear deadline for this service to be up and running.”