The Government is promising that stroke patients will soon have access to emergency thrombectomies “24/7” in a bid to reduce long-term impacts of a stroke experienced by many stroke patients.

A thrombectomy is a surgical procedure that removes large blood clots and restores blood flow to the brain. They are not suitable for all patients but can be effective when clot-busting medication is not. 

It needs to be undertaken within a few hours of stroke symptoms first starting – but at present only a few centres in England provide the procedure and some of these centres are only open on weekdays or restricted hours.

Minister of State for DHSC Karin Smyth said: “NHS England is working to increase the size of the workforce trained to deliver thrombectomy so that 24/7 access is available across England by April 2026.

“To achieve this NHS England is working with the General Medical Council in approving a credential to support neuroradiologists to conduct thrombectomy and increase the number of thrombectomies that can be delivered.

“In addition, NHS England’s National Medical Director and National Clinical Director for Stroke has supported comprehensive stroke centres in England to improve quality and reduce variation in thrombectomy delivery.”

Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash