National Medical Director Professor Sir Stephen Powis visits the Queens Medical Centre (QMC)
NHS England’s Medical Director Professor Sir Stephen Powis recently visited Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust’s (NUH) mechanical thrombectomy service.
Professor Stephen Powis along with the National Clinical Director for Stroke, David Hargroves, Doctor Maeva May from the Stroke Association and other regional and national colleagues spent the morning at the Queen’s Medical Centre (QMC) visiting the service and discussing the upcoming developments.
Mechanical thrombectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that removes blood clots from arteries within the brain for patients who have suffered a stroke. The intervention has been shown to significantly increase positive patient outcomes and decrease the risk of long-term disability. NUH’s service treats around 200 patients a year.
In line with the NHS’s national commitment to expand access to mechanical thrombectomy, NUH are working towards a 24/7 service, which will see an increase in the number of trained professionals who can carry out the procedure and more patients being able to access the treatment.
Professor Sir Stephen 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 in Nottingham to ensure people have timely access to this vital treatment regardless of when their stroke occurs ”.
Joined by Lisa Kelly, our Chief Operating Officer, Tim Guyler, our Director of Strategy and Partnership, Dr Manjeet Shehmar , our Medical Director and Tracy Pilcher our Chief Nurse, Sir Stephen and David were shown round the service and patient pathway which included the emergency department, interventional radiology and the stroke unit.
Tim Guyler, Director of Strategy and Partnership, said: “It was a privilege to host a visit from national colleagues, talking through our exciting plans to expand our treatment for stroke patients across the East Midlands.”
Dr Maëva May, Associate Director - Systems Engagement at the Stroke Association said: “Mechanical thrombectomy is a game-changer for stroke patients, often making the difference between living with severe disabilities or returning to full independence. I was delighted to visit QMC and see the firm commitment by staff to continue to grow access to this life-changing treatment. Their focus on prioritising patient well-being is inspiring.
“ While progress is being made, there's still work to do. The Stroke Association's Saving Brains campaign highlights the need for UK-wide, equitable access to thrombectomy, regardless of location or time of stroke. We must work together to ensure every patient receives this critical treatment, no matter the circumstances. The Nottingham team exemplifies the drive and focus needed to achieve this goal, and we commend their efforts. Let's keep working towards a 24/7 service that reaches all who can benefit."
Dave Briggs, M edical D irector for the NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Board said: “We are very lucky to have the stroke service based in Nottingham , it’s an amazing procedure taking the clot out of the brain. It will transform countless lives. I would like to thank all the incredible team s for showing me how the new service is working. ”