Falkirk councillor welcomes Scottish Government commitment to make life-saving stroke treatment available for all patients
A Falkirk family has welcomed the Scottish Government’s commitment to making a life-saving service for stroke victims available across Scotland, whatever time of day it is needed.
Falkirk councillor James Bundy, whose father died following a stroke in 2023, said he and his family heard that a national, 24/7 thrombectomy service will now be delivered with “both gratitude and sadness”.
Since Anthony’s death at the age of 53, the Bundy family have campaigned for improvements to Scotland’s stroke services, including the expansion of access to thrombectomy – a highly effective procedure which can physically remove a blood clot from the brain following certain types of stroke.
In June, James and his mum Selena took their plea to Bute House, telling First Minister John Swinney that no family should face a situation where their loved one’s chances of survival or recovery depend on the time of day a stroke occurs.
Last week, the First Minister announced the intention to deliver the national service when he set out the Scottish Government’s programme for government.
Speaking after the Programme for Government announcement, James said: “My family and I want to thank the First Minister for making the commitment to 24/7 thrombectomy in the Programme for Government, and for invoking my father’s name in Parliament when doing so.
“For my family, hearing my father’s name spoken in the context of the commitment provoked mixed emotions. We were sad as the question “what if this treatment was available when my father needed it” popped into my mind.
“But there was also pride that my father’s legacy is a change in policy which could help save lives in years to come.
“My family and I have spent the last three years campaigning because we do not want another family to experience what we did. We hope that my father’s story can ultimately be a catalyst for change, meaning more people survive stroke with their lives and futures intact.
“But my family and I know that a commitment in a Programme for Government is only the beginning. The hard work starts now.
“Patients cannot receive a commitment. They need treatment.
“My father cannot benefit from this change, but others can. That is why my family and I will continue to press for delivery until 24/7 thrombectomy is available to every stroke patient in Scotland who is eligible for and needs it.”
The family say the Programme for Government commitment represents an important milestone following years of campaigning by stroke patients, families, clinicians and charities.
They stress, however, that Scotland must now move from commitment to implementation, and say they intend to continue engaging constructively with the Scottish Government and clinicians to help overcome the practical barriers to delivery.
James added: “This is a moment to welcome, but not a moment to stop. We thank the First Minister for taking this step. Now let’s get on with delivering it.”