To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-17933 by Shona Robison on 2 December 2008, what action it is taking to increase the number of NHS Lothian stroke patients admitted to specialist units within 24 hours.

We continue to urge all NHS boards, including NHS Lothian, to make progress to achieve the NHS Quality Improvement Scotland clinical standard that 70% of all patients admitted to hospital with a diagnosis of stroke are admitted to a stroke unit within 24 hours of presentation at hospital. NHS boards are expected to work with their stroke Managed Clinical Network on meeting this and the other stroke service standards.

In October, NHS board chief executives were asked to provide details of the action they are taking to address issues such as this where the stroke audit identified the need for improvement. The replies will be assessed by the National Advisory Committee on Stroke.