NHS England chiefs visit Greater Manchester thrombectomy service

On 14th June, the region was delighted to host NHS England National Medical Director Professor Stephen Powis and National Stroke Clinical Director Dr David Hargroves to hear more about our mechanical thrombectomy service. The visits are part of a series to support the national ambition of ensuring all patients have access to 24/7 services, and intervention rates are increase to around 10% of all strokes (currently around 4% nationally).

The visit took place at Salford Royal Hospital, with the NHS England team joining the network and members of the Trust’s executive plus stroke, radiology, critical care and anaesthetic services as well as local leaders from the Integrated Care Partnership and the Stroke Association.

The delegation were treated to a presentation from our Clinical Director and Salford clinicians about the regions high performing stroke pathway. They also heard about how our thrombectomy service was established and developed so that it now operates 24/7.

Our visitors were taken round key clinical areas including the new stroke facilities in the Major Trauma Centre recently opened at the hospital. Stephen Powis was evidently impressed by the tour as he declared they were the best facilities they had seen on the 12 visits they have completed so far.

The NHS England team were very complimentary about what we have achieved in Greater Manchester and discussions focused on how the service can increase procedure rates to 10% (currently on 5.5% but with an upward trajectory).

The day really was a team effort and highlighted how closely everyone works within the network to deliver this amazing, life changing service.