A ‘GAME-changing’ new service for stroke patients at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust has been praised during a visit by NHS England’s Medical Director.
Professor Sir Stephen Powis visited University Hospital Coventry to learn more about a new thrombectomy service, a minimally invasive procedure that removes blood clots from arteries within the brain for patients who have suffered a stroke.
The method has been shown to significantly increase positive patient outcomes and decrease the risk of long-term disability.
Professor Powis said: “Mechanical thrombectomy is a game-changing treatment for stroke patients, which can dramatically improve outcomes and reduce disability.
“The NHS Long Term Plan outlined our aim of expanding access to thrombectomy for eligible patients and it was great to hear the progress being made across Coventry and Warwickshire to ensure people have timely access to this vital treatment regardless of when their stroke occurs.”
UHCW Chief Executive Professor Andy Hardy and Chief Medical Officer Jonathan Young showed Professor Powis and National Clinical Director for Stroke David Hargroves around the service and patient pathway which included the emergency department, cardiac catheterization laboratory and Ward 41.
Professor Hardy said: “The Thrombectomy service has been designed so that patients experience the best outcomes possible following a stroke, when specialist intervention is key and every moment counts.
“It’s been fantastic to see the difference this service is making to patients from across the region so far, and we hope it will continue to significantly change the outlook for stroke patients in our communities.”
