Question reference: S5W-30176
- Asked by: Alexander Burnett, MSP for Aberdeenshire West, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 23 June 2020
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Current status: Answered by Jeane Freeman on 16 July 2020
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it has recruited a stroke advisor to the Chief Medical Officer, and, if so, whether (a) the position is full-time and (b) it will provide a summary of work undertaken by the postholder to date.
Answer
Professor Martin Dennis was appointed as Speciality Advisor for stroke on 31 March 2020. This appointment is for a period of three years, with a time commitment of two days per week. Dr Fiona Wright has also been also appointed as Deputy Speciality Advisor for stroke, based on a time commitment of 1 day per week, again for a period of three years.
Both Advisors are progressing the commitments in the Programme for Government 2019-20:
- Review and improve the current stroke care bundle to improve outcomes for patients
- Collaborate across government on stroke prevention and raising awareness of the signs of stroke;
- Begin work to scope out and define what a progressive stroke unit looks like
- Ensure that a national planning framework is in place for a high quality and clinically safe thrombectomy service.