Despite government assurances, the NHS has yet to provide round-the-clock access to a crucial stroke treatment known as mechanical thrombectomy, leaving patients at risk of severe disabilities or worse. While the treatment was expected to be universally available from April 1, 2026, seven of England’s 24 stroke centres have not met this crucial deadline, primarily due to staffing shortages.
The Crucial Role of Mechanical Thrombectomy
Mechanical thrombectomy is a minimally invasive procedure designed to treat severe strokes caused by blocked arteries in the brain. By using a catheter inserted through an artery in the groin or wrist, doctors can remove clots and restore blood flow, significantly reducing the likelihood of long-term disability. Experts in the field have hailed this intervention as transformative, highlighting its potential to change lives for those affected by stroke.
With over 100,000 strokes occurring annually in the UK, the implications of not having access to this treatment around the clock are severe. Each year, 38,000 people succumb to the condition, while countless others are left grappling with life-altering disabilities. Dr Sanjeev Nayak, a stroke specialist at Royal Stoke Hospital, emphasised the disparity in access: “A patient presenting during normal working hours in a well-served area may receive rapid, life-changing treatment, whereas the same patient presenting at night or in a different region may not receive thrombectomy at all. This creates a real postcode lottery in access to one of the most effective treatments in modern medicine.”
Areas Still Lacking 24/7 Access
Currently, 17 of the 24 thrombectomy centres in England provide this crucial service around the clock. However, seven centres located in Hull, Middlesbrough, Leeds, Sheffield, Newcastle, Brighton, and Coventry have not been able to comply with the promise made by the government. The health service received additional funding earlier this year to facilitate the expansion of these services, yet the implementation has proven to be slow and inconsistent.
Karin Smyth, NHS minister, confirmed on March 23 that the aim was to ensure universal access to thrombectomy by the start of April. However, the failure to meet this target raises concerns about the health and safety of stroke patients in underserved areas. Alexis Kolodziej, deputy chief executive of the Stroke Association, expressed her dismay: “It’s deeply troubling that access to thrombectomy remains dependent on the time of day and the area in which you live. The government’s failure to deliver on its promise leaves patients at a significant disadvantage.”
Addressing Staffing Shortages
One of the primary obstacles preventing these centres from offering 24/7 thrombectomy services is a shortage of qualified personnel, including stroke doctors, specialist nurses, and interventional neuroradiologists. For instance, University Hospital Coventry, which missed the deadline, has been redirecting stroke patients requiring thrombectomy to University Hospital Birmingham during off-hours. Similarly, Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton has a similar arrangement with University College London Hospital, leaving large regions, including the entirety of Yorkshire and the North East, without any 24/7 service.
NHS England has acknowledged its shortcomings in achieving universal access by April 1 but insists that addressing this issue remains a top priority. A spokesperson stated, “The majority of thrombectomy centres currently offer 24/7 services, and we are working directly with trusts and integrated care boards to further improve access for all patients as soon as possible. This includes providing £14 million of extra targeted funding to support service expansion and training additional staff to carry out mechanical thrombectomy.”
Why it Matters
The inability to provide universal access to this potentially life-saving treatment places countless individuals at risk, particularly those who may experience strokes outside of regular working hours. The disparity in access can lead to devastating outcomes, including severe disability or death, depending on the time and place of care. As the NHS continues to grapple with staffing challenges and resource allocation, the urgency for equitable treatment access has never been more pressing. Ensuring that all stroke patients receive timely care could significantly reduce avoidable deaths and improve the quality of life for thousands across the nation.
