An example of why the NHS has to continually ‘invest’ in research / pilot schemes

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An example of why the NHS has to continually ‘invest’ in research / pilot schemes

An estimated 8,000 stroke patients a year are set to benefit from an advanced emergency treatment which can significantly decrease the risk of long-term disability and also save £ms in long term health & social care costs.

NHS England has announced that it will commission mechanical thrombectomy so it can become more widely available for patients who have certain types of acute ischaemic stroke – a severe form of the condition where a blood vessel to the brain becomes blocked, often leading to long-term disability. If used within the first 6 hours of symptoms beginning to show – alongside other specialist medical treatment & care – the procedure has been shown in clinical trials to significantly improve survival & quality of life by restoring blood flow and therefore limiting brain damage.

Work by NHS England is now underway to assess the readiness of each of the 24 neuroscience centres across the country which are set to introduce the service. It is expected the treatment will start to be phased in later in this year with an estimated 1,000 patients set to benefit across the first year of introduction. NHS England will work with Health Education England and trusts to build on the expertise that is currently available in these specialised centres, developing the workforce and systems to enable an estimated 8,000 to receive this treatment in coming years.

Stroke is a devastating disease for patients and their families, and is estimated to cost the NHS around £3bn per year, with additional cost to the economy of a further £4bn in lost productivity, disability & informal care.

Researched Links:

NHS England: Stroke patients in England set to receive revolutionary new treatment

BHF: Researchers investigate cause of stroke linked to dementia

Reducing Stroke risk

NICE targets stroke with possible new indicators for GPs and clinical commissioners

Joined-up working required for effective stroke rehab services

Wales leading in UK on neurological care measures

Quarter of people would not call 999 at the first signs of stroke

PHE calls for greater high blood pressure awareness

Tackling blood pressure: the size of the prize

LGA: Health checks could save your life – say councils

IEA: NHS reforms to emulate healthcare systems of Switzerland & the Netherlands would save thousands of lives a year