24/7 Stroke Thrombectomy Access Coming to England

The Department for Health and Social Care has announced that NHS England is working to establish 24/7 access to thrombectomy procedures across the country by April 2026. This vital treatment, which involves removing large blood clots from the brain, is currently limited in its availability, with few centers offering round-the-clock services.

A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, potentially leading to severe disability or death without prompt intervention. Approximately 10% of stroke patients can benefit from thrombectomies, a procedure where a wire is guided to the brain via a groin incision to extract clots. Optimal results are achieved when performed within a few hours of symptom onset, though it can be extended up to 24 hours in select cases.

This expansion aims to address the current limitations where many facilities only operate during weekdays or have restricted hours. The government is focusing on increasing the number of trained professionals capable of delivering this life-saving treatment. Thrombectomies are particularly effective for large clots that do not respond to clot-dissolving medications, which are typically the initial treatment for ischemic strokes.