Three per cent of the population in West Dunbartonshire have been diagnosed with stroke and TIA

“Just last week, I visited the Clydebank stroke group for one of its weekly sessions, which is run in connection with Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, and, in East Dunbartonshire, I visited the Way Ahead stroke group in Bearsden.

“Those groups are a lifeline to folk in my constituency, which, according to figures, has the highest prevalence rate in the country for key chest, heart and stroke conditions—higher than the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and Scotland-wide averages.

“Three per cent of the population in West Dunbartonshire have been diagnosed with stroke and TIA, compared with the national average of 2.6 per cent. That is a sobering fact for me, but it is not surprising.

“We know that there is a strong link between deprivation and health inequalities. That is why I feel that it is vital that we target more resources in areas of deprivation, including Clydebank. As mentioned in the motion, in 2025, around 11,000 people in Scotland experienced stroke, with a stroke reportedly occurring every 49 minutes in Scotland.”

Ms McNair said that during the summer recess, she met Amy Callaghan, who is the strategic political adviser for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, to discuss her work on improving outcomes for people with stroke and other conditions.

“I am sure that members will remember Amy Callaghan as the former MP for East Dunbartonshire, who suffered a stroke at 28. It is incredibly welcome to see her in this role, bringing immense parliamentary and personal experience to her work in pushing forward the aims of the charity and, in turn, helping those who suffer from these conditions.

She added: “During our meeting, we discussed the welcome partnership that the organisation has with the University of Strathclyde in relation to the university’s innovative technology-enhanced rehabilitation gyms, which provide stroke survivors with the chance to expand their rehabilitation options through technology-supported gym equipment. The initiative currently runs in four locations across Scotland, and it is great that further funding has been committed to roll out that model across Scotland.

“Having a stroke can change your life in an instant, and it can happen to anyone. That is why it is vital that we help to raise awareness to enable people to notice the signs. Delivery of a 24/7 national thrombectomy service is essential to ensure that everyone can benefit from that crucial treatment, regardless of where or when they have their stroke.

“I have also raised that issue with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. The Stroke Association advises that, currently, someone in Clydebank and Milngavie who has a stroke can access thrombectomy services only between 8 am and 5 pm, Monday to Friday. I would welcome the minister addressing the need for a 24/7 service when responding to the debate.

“It was welcome to hear the First Minister announce the delivery of heart and lung MOTs, working in partnership with Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland. That is a positive development that focuses on early detection and helps people to make informed life choices to improve their health and reduce their chances of developing serious conditions, including strokes.

“It focuses on people and communities that are more likely to experience poorer health outcomes and helps to reduce health inequalities. I would welcome the model being extended to my constituency in the future.

“We must work together and make sure that people have the best services available to enable them to live well after a stroke.”