Stroke patients across Northern Ireland to benefit from 24/7 access to life-saving treatment

Stroke patients across Northern Ireland will now have round-the-clock access to lifesaving thrombectomy treatment, which is a major campaigning success for the Stroke Association.

The introduction of the service, which follows an announcement by the Health Minister Robbie Butler that it will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, is a major milestone for stroke care in Northern Ireland. It will help to ensure that more eligible stroke patients can access this life-changing treatment when they need it most, regardless of the time of day or night.

Previously, thrombectomy was only available in Northern Ireland between 8am and 5pm. So, anyone admitted to hospital outside these hours would have to wait until the following morning – which can make a huge difference to the impact of their stroke and recovery.

Thrombectomy is a game-changing treatment which removes the blood clot which causes stroke. 1.9 million brain cells are lost every minute after a stroke, so the quicker someone receives the treatment, the better chance they have of making a good recovery. When delivered in a timely manner, the procedure can save brain function, reduce disability, and ultimately change lives. It is also cost effective for health services as it reduces the need for long-term care and rehabilitation.

Clodagh Dunlop MBE, from Magherafelt in Co. Londonderry, had a brain stem stroke in 2015, which initially left her with locked-in syndrome. She was completely paralysed and she was only able to communicate using her eyes.

She said: “When I had my stroke at 2am, thrombectomy was not available 24/7 in Northern Ireland. I had to wait until 10 o’clock the following day for this life-saving treatment, hours that changed my life forever.

“I almost died; I spent weeks on life support followed by eight months in hospital learning to speak and move again. Whilst I continue to live with the effects of stroke, I am determined to use my experience to create change.”

Clodagh has been supporting the Stroke Association, along with several stroke survivors across NI, to campaign for 24/7 access to thrombectomy. She has spent the past ten years speaking with politicians at Westminster and Stormont hoping for change. 

She said: “The announcement that thrombectomy is now available 24/7 in Northern Ireland is incredibly emotional. It is the result of years of campaigning by many people and means future stroke patients can receive the right treatment at the right time.

“My stroke changed my life, but it also gave me a voice, and the thrombectomy campaign connected me with incredible people. I am proud that my journey has helped to create change that could save lives and give stroke patients and their families hope for the future.”

The Stroke Association has raised awareness and built support for 24/7 thrombectomy by gathering petition signatures, sending postcards to key decision-makers, engaging directly with politicians, and helping to facilitate debates in the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Alasdair O’Hara, Northern Ireland Director at the Stroke Association, said: “Today is such a good news day for the stroke community and Health and Social Care in Northern Ireland.

“Thrombectomy saves brains, saves money and saves lives, it is vital that anyone who needs it can access it no matter when or where they have their stroke. The announcement today has therefore been welcomed with relief and celebration by the stroke survivors and clinicians who have campaigned for thrombectomy expansion.

“By extending the hours during which eligible stroke patients can receive this vital procedure, the Health Minister is backing the stroke teams who have worked hard to develop the service here.  This is also a significant step forward in delivering the Department's Stroke Action plan to improve stroke care across prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. We look forward to the momentum continuing and further progress being made to ensure every stroke survivor in Northern Ireland is supported to go on to live a well and fulfilling life.”

The Stroke Association supports stroke survivors and their families by phone, at home, and in the community. Find out more at www.stroke.org.uk