Will the Cabinet Secretary provide an update on the current provision of thrombectomy for stroke patients in Wales?
Thrombectomy for stroke patients is a highly specialised procedure with a lack of appropriately trained neuroradiologists able to perform this task across the UK. Wales, like many other regions across the UK, does not yet provide 24/7 access to this service.
The Stroke Implementation Group is committed to improving availability and the national clinical lead for stroke, Dr Phil Jones, has recently written to health boards to highlight the importance of providing thrombectomy services. An options paper on the expansion and full provision of clot retrieval/mechanical thrombectomy services to stroke patients where this is a viable treatment option is being prepared and will be considered at the next meeting of the Stroke Implementation Group.