A stroke survivor has urged Scots who think they might be having a stroke to call 999 following fears people are avoiding hospitals because of coronavirus.
It comes as figures showed weekly attendance rates at NHS Lothians emergency department fell to the lowest since records began.
Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS) are concerned that people are putting off going to hospital because of coronavirus, perhaps thinking they might become a burden on the NHS at such a busy time.
Edinburgh Live reported how the Royal College of Emergency Medicine raised similar concerns, saying emergency departments were treating people who were more sick because they did not attend when they should have.
The Scottish Government's chief medical officer has said hospital wards are "eerily quiet".
Debbie, 44 from Comrie, has joined forces with the CHSS to remind people that stroke is a medical emergency and that people still need to seek medical attention if they think they’re having a stroke.
Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland is urging people to act FAST and call 999 as soon as you experience symptoms.
FAST is a simple acronym to remind people of the key signs of stroke:
FACE – Can the person smile, does one side of their face droop?
ARM – Can they lift both arms? Is one weak?
SPEECH – Is their speech slurred or muddled?
TIME – If these symptoms are present, call 999
Debbie Matthew, a stroke survivor from Comrie, said: “If my husband hadn’t called 999 so quickly and I hadn’t gone to hospital straight away, I can’t bear to think about what position I would find myself in today.
“It’s been 4 years since I had my stroke and I can’t believe how far I’ve come. I’m just so thankful that my family were able to get me the help I so desperately needed.
“FAST has become really important to my family. My son, Finlay, got such a fright seeing me after my stroke that he decided spread the FAST message to local school children. Finlay feels that it’s especially important for children to learn the message so that that they know what to do if they find themselves alone with a parent or grandparent who might be experiencing a stroke.
“Hearing that people might not be seeking emergency help is terrifying, it’s more important now than ever to make sure people know to Think FAST and call 999 if you think you’re having a stroke.”
Jane-Claire Judson, Chief Executive at Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, said: “Stroke doesn’t stop because of coronavirus; it can happen at any time and anywhere.
“By the end of today, 25 people across Scotland will have suffered a stroke. The same will happen tomorrow.
“Coronavirus is at the forefront of our minds right now, but it's vital that people don’t forget that a stroke is a medical emergency. NHS stroke staff are on-hand to help you and save people’s lives.
“It is important that people are aware of the signs and symptoms of stroke and phone 999 immediately if someone needs urgent medical attention.
“These symptoms aren’t something for deliberation, if you see these signs, act FAST and save a life.”
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