Family outraged over ambulance delays for stroke victim in Aberdeenshire

A family's desperate journey highlights the urgent need for better emergency services.

In a distressing incident that underscores the challenges facing emergency services, a family from Aberdeenshire has expressed their outrage after their loved one, Mark Buchan, suffered a stroke and faced a wait of up to seven hours for an ambulance. The incident, which occurred on the evening of September 30, has raised serious questions about the efficiency of the ambulance service in the region.

Emergency response raises concerns

Mark Buchan, a 46-year-old resident of Inverurie, fell ill suddenly, prompting his teenage son, Archie, to call emergency services.

Despite the family’s immediate concerns that Mark, who is diabetic, had suffered a stroke, the initial response from first responders was less than reassuring. Mark’s sister-in-law, Paula, reported that the responders seemed more focused on his blood sugar levels than the possibility of a stroke, despite her insistence that Mark’s right side was affected.

As the family awaited help, they were alarmed to overhear one of the responders joking about the situation, stating that an ambulance would arrive faster in Krakow, Poland, than in their location.

This lack of seriousness during a critical moment only added to their distress. Eventually, after being informed that they would have to wait up to seven hours for an ambulance, the family decided to transport Mark themselves, a decision that would prove crucial for his recovery.

Family takes matters into their own hands

Faced with the unacceptable wait time, Paula and other family members took it upon themselves to get Mark to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. They managed to transport him in a private car, despite being told by first responders that they should not lift him. Upon arrival at the hospital, a doctor reportedly told Paula that their quick action had “100% saved his life.” This statement highlights the critical importance of timely medical intervention, especially in stroke cases where every minute counts.

Upon reaching the hospital, the family was shocked to see 11 ambulances queued outside, a sight that has become increasingly common at NHS Grampian’s flagship facility. The family’s ordeal did not end with Mark’s treatment; after a brief stay at the hospital, he was transferred to Woodend Hospital for rehabilitation but was soon discharged due to bed shortages, leaving him in a vulnerable state.

Calls for accountability and improvement

The Buchan family has since raised concerns about the adequacy of support provided by Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership and NHS Grampian. Mark, who was only “40%” back to fitness upon discharge, returned home to his top-floor flat without any support systems in place, leaving him isolated and struggling to manage daily tasks.

In response to the family’s complaints, a spokesperson for the Scottish Ambulance Service acknowledged the unacceptable delay and attributed it to significant hospital turnaround time delays at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. They emphasized that while a community first responder was dispatched, the ambulance service was unable to respond in a timely manner due to ongoing issues. NHS Grampian also stated that decisions regarding patient discharge are based on clinical assessments, but the family remains dissatisfied with the care provided.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the pressures facing emergency services and the urgent need for improvements in response times and patient care. As the Buchan family continues to navigate the aftermath of this traumatic experience, their story highlights the critical importance of timely medical intervention and the need for a robust emergency response system.