Parliament Workbench
Data: Motions & questions to 19 Nov 2026

Written Question · S6W-28906 · Session 6

Whether it will provide an update on what steps have been taken to review the stroke awareness campaign, including exploring alternatives s…

Answered Asked by Stephen Kerr Con Lodged 1 Aug 2024

The question

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on what steps have been taken to review the stroke awareness campaign, including exploring alternatives such as BE FAST (Balance, Eyes, Face, Arms, Speech, and Time/Throwing Up).

The answer

Answered by Jenni Minto on 26 Aug 2024 · 25 days after it was lodged, on time

The Scottish Government commissioned research to evaluate the current public awareness of Face, Arms, Speech, Time (FAST), stroke symptoms and risk factors, which has now been completed. The results of this research are informing our plans for future work.Scottish Government, Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland and Stroke Association all support the continue used of FAST. The current evidence base does not support a move to the use of BE FAST, but we will regularly review this position based on the best available evidence.The Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care asked the Specialty Adviser to the Chief Medical Officer for Stroke to review stroke recognition education for clinical staff. This review has informed the development of an education package, funded by the Scottish Government, to be delivered to staff in GP practices, Emergency Departments and the Scottish Ambulance Service. Although focusing on FAST, this education will also cover the less common presentations of stroke.

In the Official Report

No contribution in the Official Report cites S6W-28906 by reference.