A life-saving procedure that reverses the effects of severe strokes is to be expanded at Southmead Hospital.
“Thrombectomy”, which involves manually unblocking blood clots to the brain, significantly reduces the chances of death and disability.
Since the technique was introduced on the NHS in 2017, North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) has run the specialised centre for the West of England region.
Operated Monday to Friday between 8am and 8pm, it is now the third busiest service in the country.
With extra national investment and staff training, NBT is aiming to expand to a 24-hour service seven days a week to care for scores more people a year.
Lead Consultant Dr Justin Pearson said
“Stroke is a devastating disease for patients and their families and thrombectomy can significantly reduce the chance of death and disability.
“Because it is such a complicated procedure, we are currently planning how we can expand services so that as many people as possible can benefit from this powerful new treatment.”
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