The Department for Health and Social Care has confirmed that NHS England is working to provide round-the-clock access to thrombectomy, a key stroke treatment, across the country by April 2026. The update was provided by Minister of State Karin Smyth in response to a parliamentary question from MP Jim Shannon.
Thrombectomy is a surgical procedure that physically removes large blood clots from the brain, restoring blood flow. It is most effective when performed within hours of stroke symptoms, but currently only a few centres in England offer the service, with limited operating hours.
Minister Smyth stated: “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.” She added that the General Medical Council is approving a credential to support neuroradiologists in performing the procedure.
The Stroke Association has emphasised that timely access to thrombectomy can make a “significant difference” to recovery, reducing brain damage and the risk of severe disability. However, the procedure is suitable for only about one in ten stroke patients, depending on clot location, stroke type, and time since symptoms began.
Currently, limited availability is due to a shortage of trained specialists and specialist equipment. The procedure involves threading a wire from the groin to the brain to extract clots too large for clot-busting drugs. It is not used for haemorrhagic strokes caused by bleeding.
