Understand
Northern Ireland rolls out 24-hour thrombectomy service for stroke patients
Overview
Northern Ireland's regional thrombectomy service has expanded to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week following a £5m investment. The procedure, which removes blood clots from the brain, is credited by stroke survivors like Gemma O'Hara as a life-changing treatment. Clinicians note that the expanded service increases recovery chances and reduces mortality rates for severe strokes.
Key points
- Northern Ireland's regional thrombectomy service is now operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- The expansion was funded by a £5m investment through Stormont's Programme for Government Elective Care funding.
- Forty-year-old stroke survivor Gemma O'Hara praised the procedure as a miracle treatment that enabled her full recovery.
- Thrombectomy increases a patient's chances of a good recovery by more than 50% and reduces the risk of death by nearly 20%.
- The upgraded service aims to build capacity towards 300 thrombectomy procedures annually, doubling previous numbers.
- Health Minister Robbie Butler described Northern Ireland as the first UK nation to provide a 24/7 thrombectomy service for its entire population.