SCOTTISH Labour has compared access to “life-saving, life-changing” treatment for strokes to a game of “Russian roulette.”

According to Public Health Scotland, only 212 of the 9,625 people who suffered an ischaemic stroke north of the border last year were given a thrombectomy -— surgical removal of the blood clot from the affected artery — an increase on the figure of 153 from a year earlier but still just 2.2 per cent of the total.

The Stroke Association in Scotland said this meant “less than a fifth of eligible patients” received the treatment, adding that rates for this elsewhere in Britain and Northern Ireland are “more than double that in Scotland.”

Calling for action, association director John Watson highlighted that a “Scotland-wide, round-the-clock thrombectomy service was promised years ago.”

Labour health spokeswoman Jackie Baillie commented: “No-one can choose when they have a stroke, but under the SNP Scots face a Russian roulette when it comes to treatment.

“A quick intervention could be the difference between living independently or struggling with life-changing disabilities. Scottish stroke survivors should have the same access to modern technology as those in England.

“Doctors and charities have made it clear that delivering a 24/7 service is within the power of the Scottish government. The SNP must act now to ensure that Scots get the stroke services they need.”

SNP Public Health Minister Jenni Minto said: “We know there is more to do, but it is pleasing to see a rise in the number of patients receiving thrombectomy treatment. We will continue work towards increasing access to these procedures.

“We have invested more than £51 million and are grateful to teams across Scotland for helping to expand the thrombectomy service.”