24/7 stroke thrombectomy service now available across Northern Ireland
Tuesday 06 October 2026
Stroke patients across Northern Ireland can now access potentially life-changing thrombectomy treatment 24 hours a day, seven days a week, removing the time of day or night as a barrier to the specialist procedure.
The expanded regional service, based at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast, began operating around the clock on 14 September and has already treated patients during the new overnight hours.
Health Minister Robbie Butler confirmed the service is fully operational during a visit to the hospital’s Stroke Unit, describing the development as a “landmark moment” for stroke care.
Treatment available around the clock
Thrombectomy is used to treat some ischaemic strokes by physically removing a blood clot and restoring blood flow to the brain, potentially allowing neurological function to recover.
Previously, Northern Ireland’s regional thrombectomy service operated between 8am and 5pm, seven days a week. The expansion means eligible patients can now access the treatment regardless of when their stroke occurs.
Minister Butler said:
“This is a landmark moment for stroke care in Northern Ireland. We are leading the way as the first in the whole of the UK to provide a 24/7 thrombectomy service for our entire population. This is something I am immensely proud of. Thrombectomy is one of the most significant advances in modern stroke medicine and can dramatically improve a patient’s chances of recovery.
“I am delighted to officially announce Northern Ireland’s regional thrombectomy service is now available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Patients are already benefiting from treatment during the expanded overnight hours.
“It demonstrates what investment, innovation and our highly skilled health service workforce can deliver for patients.”
Antrim and Causeway hospitals part of regional pathway
For patients locally, the £5 million expansion operates through a regional pathway involving stroke teams at Antrim Area Hospital and Causeway Hospital, alongside the Royal Victoria, Ulster, Craigavon Area, Daisy Hill, Altnagelvin and South West Acute hospitals.
Patients identified as potentially suitable for thrombectomy can be transferred through the regional system for specialist treatment at the Royal Victoria Hospital. Artificial Intelligence-supported imaging is being used to help clinicians rapidly identify those who may benefit.
The investment is also increasing specialist workforce capacity and supporting the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service as part of the expanded pathway.
Stroke campaigners welcome landmark change
Alasdair O’Hara, Northern Ireland Director at the Stroke Association, welcomed the move following years of campaigning by stroke survivors, clinicians and families.
He said:
“Thrombectomy saves brains, saves money and saves lives. It is vital that anyone who needs it can have it, no matter when or where they have their stroke. We welcome today’s announcement with relief and celebration alongside the stroke survivors and clinicians who have long campaigned for this day to come.”
There are 43,906 stroke survivors in Northern Ireland, according to Department of Health figures, while expanding thrombectomy to round-the-clock provision was included as a commitment in the Reshaping Stroke Care Action Plan published in June 2022.
Specialist teams working across Northern Ireland
Dr Patricia Gordon, Consultant Geriatric Medicine at Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, said:
“We are immensely proud of our team in Belfast and our colleagues across the region, whose dedication, expertise, and collaboration have made this 24/7 service possible. Patients will now have timely access to life changing specialist treatment whenever a stroke occurs, improving care and outcomes.”
Professor Mark Taylor, Regional Clinical Director for Elective Care in Northern Ireland, said the expansion was also strengthening the wider stroke pathway.
He said:
“This is what regional working looks like at its best. By bringing clinical expertise, innovation and services together around the patient, we are not simply expanding the treatment, we are strengthening the whole pathway. The impact on patient outcomes will be profound.”
The £5 million investment is being supported through the Executive’s Programme for Government Elective Care funding. For patients and families, its most significant effect is straightforward: when an eligible stroke patient needs thrombectomy, the clock reaching 5pm no longer closes the door on accessing the specialist treatment.
