Stroke Association: Saving Brains (July 2022)

Summary

Thrombectomy is a game-changing treatment for stroke. It changes the course of recovery from stroke in an instant, significantly reducing the chance of disabilities like paralysis, visual impairment and communication difficulties. It is also extremely cost-effective.

Rolling out thrombectomy fully could save the UK £73 million a year, by reducing demand for rehabilitation and community support services.  But thrombectomy isn’t currently available for everyone who needs it (~10% of all stroke patients). The treatment is subject to a postcode lottery and in 2020/21, nearly 80% (5,889) of patients in England who needed a thrombectomy missed out.

This report from the Stroke Assoication features some of the amazing people working tirelessly to improve outcomes for stroke patients, under challenging circumstances and often at a personal cost. And most importantly, it shows how truly life-changing thrombectomy can be for patients. The Stroke Association hopes this report will galvanise action at government and ICS levels that will benefit both stroke patients and professionals. They must urgently secure access to a 24/7 thrombectomy service, for every stroke patient who needs.