- The Stroke Association has warned that thousands of stroke victims are being denied access to thrombectomy, a crucial treatment that removes blood clots from the brain and can significantly reduce life-long disability.
- Analysis by the charity revealed that 1,222 patients missed out on a thrombectomy between October and December last year, despite the procedure needing to be carried out within 24 hours of symptom onset.
- Only 4.8 per cent of stroke patients received a thrombectomy during that period, falling significantly short of the 2019 NHS target to expand provision to 10% of patients, which aimed to help 1,600 more individuals live independently annually.
- These "stark inequalities" are attributed to a lack of round-the-clock services, with only 17 of England's 24 specialist neuroscience centres currently offering thrombectomy regardless of the day or time, alongside issues like workforce gaps and funding.
- Professor Deb Lowe of the Stroke Association emphasised that many stroke survivors could be living vastly different lives if they had received the treatment, highlighting the urgent need for improved access to prevent unnecessary disability.
IN FULL
