FAST Stroke Detection Guidance

The motion

That the Parliament notes the calls for a review of the current FAST stroke detection guidance; understands that the acronym, which stands for "face, arms, speech, time", does not reliably detect all strokes, according to the independent academic evidence cited by the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) in its briefing for the Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee on petition PE2048; further understands that figures suggest that between 8% and 10% of all strokes are missed by FAST, and that, with over 11,250 recorded strokes in Scotland in 2022, this could mean that more than 1,000 strokes are missed by FAST in Scotland each year; considers that further SPICe evidence highlights that what it sees as the updated BE-FAST test, which stands for "balance, eyes, face, arms, speech, time", is more effective at detecting strokes when compared with FAST; notes the calls for the Scottish Government to acknowledge this updated guidance, and to strongly consider issuing this across both NHS and private healthcare providers all over Scotland; commends Mid Scotland and Fife constituent, Selena Bundy, and her family for what it sees as their tireless efforts in raising awareness of BE-FAST and all stroke symptoms, following the sudden death of Selena's husband, Anthony Bundy, in 2023, and sends its deepest condolences to Mrs Bundy and her family for the tragic loss of their loving husband and father.

No recorded vote on this motion. Most motions are never debated, and many that are debated are agreed without a division. Vote records are published from 2011.

Con 21 Lab 4 SNP 3 LD 3 Green 1

Party shown is each supporter’s party when the motion was published.

No contribution in the Official Report cites S6M-12264 by reference.