‘Hours that changed my life forever’ – stroke survivor welcomes major breakthrough in 24/7 treatment

Saturday 10 October 2026

Stroke patients across Northern Ireland can now receive potentially life-saving thrombectomy treatment at any time of the day or night, ending a restriction that previously left some patients waiting hours for a procedure that could reduce permanent disability.

The introduction of the 24-hour, seven-day service marks a major improvement in stroke care following years of campaigning by survivors, families, clinicians and the Stroke Association.

For Magherafelt woman Clodagh Dunlop MBE, who suffered a devastating stroke in 2015, the change is deeply personal. She believes the hours she spent waiting for treatment had a lasting impact on her life.

A stroke at 2am that changed everything

Clodagh suffered a brain stem stroke that initially left her with locked-in syndrome. She was completely paralysed and could communicate only through movements of her eyes.

“When I had my stroke at 2am, thrombectomy was not available 24/7 in Northern Ireland. I had to wait until 10 o’clock the following day for this life-saving treatment, hours that changed my life forever.

“I almost died; I spent weeks on life support followed by eight months in hospital learning to speak and move again. Whilst I continue to live with the effects of stroke, I am determined to use my experience to create change.”

For the past decade, Clodagh has worked alongside the Stroke Association and other survivors, speaking with politicians at Westminster and Stormont to campaign for round-the-clock access to treatment.

Now, she hopes other families will be spared the uncertainty and potentially devastating consequences of waiting overnight.

Why every minute matters after a stroke

A thrombectomy is a specialist procedure that physically removes a blood clot blocking blood flow to the brain during certain types of stroke.

Previously, the treatment was available in Northern Ireland only between 8am and 5pm, meaning patients arriving outside those hours could face a wait until the following morning.

According to the Stroke Association, approximately 1.9 million brain cells can be lost every minute during an untreated stroke, making rapid access to specialist care crucial.

When performed promptly on suitable patients, thrombectomy can restore blood flow, preserve brain function and significantly reduce the risk of long-term disability.

It can also reduce the need for extensive rehabilitation and ongoing care, benefiting patients, families and health services.

The expanded service, announced by Health Minister Robbie Butler, means eligible patients can now access the procedure around the clock rather than being restricted by the time their stroke occurs.

Not every stroke patient will be suitable for thrombectomy. Eligibility depends on factors including the type of stroke, the location of the blockage and specialist clinical assessment.

Ten years of campaigning brings change

Clodagh described the introduction of the service as an emotional milestone for everyone who has fought to improve stroke treatment.

“The announcement that thrombectomy is now available 24/7 in Northern Ireland is incredibly emotional. It is the result of years of campaigning by many people and means future stroke patients can receive the right treatment at the right time.

“My stroke changed my life, but it also gave me a voice, and the thrombectomy campaign connected me with incredible people. I am proud that my journey has helped to create change that could save lives and give stroke patients and their families hope for the future.”

The Stroke Association's campaign involved gathering petition signatures, sending postcards to decision-makers, engaging with politicians and helping to facilitate debates in the Northern Ireland Assembly.

The charity says the expansion represents a significant achievement for stroke survivors and clinicians who have consistently argued that access to emergency treatment should not depend on the time of day.

Stroke Association welcomes major milestone

Alasdair O’Hara, Northern Ireland Director at the Stroke Association, welcomed the development as a major step forward for patients and the wider health service.

“Today is such a good news day for the stroke community and Health and Social Care in Northern Ireland.

“Thrombectomy saves brains, saves money and saves lives, it is vital that anyone who needs it can access it no matter when or where they have their stroke. The announcement today has therefore been welcomed with relief and celebration by the stroke survivors and clinicians who have campaigned for thrombectomy expansion.”

Mr O’Hara said the extension also recognised the work of specialist stroke teams and supported wider efforts to improve treatment and recovery services.

“By extending the hours during which eligible stroke patients can receive this vital procedure, the Health Minister is backing the stroke teams who have worked hard to develop the service here. This is also a significant step forward in delivering the Department's Stroke Action plan to improve stroke care across prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. We look forward to the momentum continuing and further progress being made to ensure every stroke survivor in Northern Ireland is supported to go on to live a well and fulfilling life.”

Support for stroke survivors and families

More than 4,000 people survive a stroke each year in Northern Ireland, according to the Stroke Association, but many face a lengthy recovery and lasting changes to their everyday lives.

A stroke can affect people of any age, including children, and may leave survivors with difficulties involving movement, speech, sight or swallowing.

The Stroke Association provides support to survivors and their families by telephone, at home and within local communities.

Anyone affected by stroke can find information, guidance and support through:

• Website: www.stroke.org.uk

• Stroke Support Helpline: 0303 3033 100

Recognising the warning signs of stroke

Although thrombectomy is now available around the clock for eligible patients, recognising the symptoms of a stroke and seeking emergency medical attention remains essential.

The FAST test helps people remember some of the most common warning signs:

• Face – has one side of the person's face dropped, or are they unable to smile?

• Arms – can they raise both arms and keep them there?

• Speech – is their speech slurred or difficult to understand?

• Time – call 999 immediately if any of these signs appear.

Other sudden symptoms, including loss of vision, severe dizziness or weakness, can also indicate a stroke and require urgent assessment.

For patients and families across Northern Ireland, the introduction of round-the-clock thrombectomy removes a significant barrier to timely specialist treatment. It cannot undo the consequences faced by survivors such as Clodagh, but it offers future patients something campaigners have spent years fighting for: the opportunity to receive potentially life-changing treatment without having to wait for morning.