The Stroke Association has issued a stark warning that thousands of stroke victims are being denied access to a life-changing treatment known as thrombectomy. This procedure, which removes blood clots from the brain, can significantly reduce long-term disability if performed within 24 hours of symptom onset.
Alarming Gaps in Provision
New analysis by the charity reveals that between October and December last year, 1,222 patients did not receive a thrombectomy despite being eligible. During this period, only 4.8 per cent of stroke patients underwent the procedure, falling well short of the NHS target set in 2019 to expand provision to 10 per cent of patients. Meeting that target would have enabled an additional 1,600 individuals to live independently each year.
Root Causes of Inequality
The charity attributes these stark inequalities to a lack of round-the-clock services. Currently, only 17 of England's 24 specialist neuroscience centres offer thrombectomy at any time of day or night. Workforce shortages and insufficient funding further exacerbate the problem.
Professor Deb Lowe, a spokesperson for the Stroke Association, emphasised the profound impact of this treatment gap. She stated that many stroke survivors could be leading vastly different lives if they had received thrombectomy, highlighting the urgent need for improved access to prevent unnecessary disability.
The Stroke Association is calling for immediate action to expand thrombectomy services across the country, ensuring that all patients have equal access to this potentially life-altering treatment.
