Tens of thousands of stroke patients in England are being denied access to a 'miracle treatment' that pulls them back from 'near death', according to a new report by the Stroke Association. The charity warns that more than 47,000 patients will miss out on mechanical thrombectomy over the next seven years unless the NHS and ministers act immediately.
Mechanical thrombectomy uses a stent to remove large blood clots from the brain via a catheter inserted into the groin. It can be performed up to 24 hours after a stroke but is most effective within the first six hours. Despite being described as a 'gamechanging' treatment, the NHS has only delivered it to 28% of suitable patients by December 2021, missing its target.
The procedure can reduce hospital stays dramatically, with some patients leaving the next day instead of spending months in rehabilitation. Stroke specialists say a 24/7 service would save £73 million a year, but only 25% of thrombectomy centres operate around the clock, and 42% are only open during office hours, partly due to a lack of biplane suites with specific radiology equipment.
Juliet Bouverie, chief executive of the Stroke Association, said: 'Thrombectomy is a miracle treatment that pulls patients back from near death and alleviates the worst effects of stroke. It's shocking that so many patients are missing out and being saddled with unnecessary disability.' The report also highlights an 'unacceptable postcode lottery', with thrombectomy rates of 8% in London compared to 0-3% elsewhere.
An NHS England spokesperson said: 'By bringing services together through newly created stroke networks, we are supporting local clinicians to deliver 24/7 access to thrombectomy... so if you experience stroke symptoms, it's vital that you call 999 immediately.' A government spokesperson added that they are growing the health and social care workforce.
