Belfast, Northern Ireland – Paul McCausland’s life took an unexpected turn in 2021 when he suffered a stroke, leaving him unable to speak or move. Fortunately, he received a life-saving thrombectomy treatment at Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital, a procedure that proved crucial in his recovery. The thrombectomy, a new treatment, is most effective when administered within six hours of the onset of a stroke.
This specialized treatment, available only at one hospital in Belfast, has specific operating hours from Monday to Friday between 08:00 and 18:00. Despite its effectiveness, the Department of Health estimates that significant funding of £11.1 million is necessary to advance its Stroke Action Plan. McCausland considers himself fortunate that the stroke occurred at a time when he could access the thrombectomy treatment, underscoring the importance of timely intervention in stroke cases.
Now, at 39 years old, McCausland expresses profound gratitude for the treatment that saved his life, emphasizing the significance of the quality of life he is able to maintain due to the procedure. He credits the presence of the surgeons and the timing of his stroke for his recovery, reflecting on what could have been had he not received the thrombectomy treatment.
McCausland’s experience has led him to advocate for a 24/7 thrombectomy service, asserting that round-the-clock availability of the treatment could potentially save lives. Alasdair O’Hara of the Stroke Association supports this call for expanded access to the crucial treatment, highlighting the cost savings and improved recovery outcomes associated with timely thrombectomy. O’Hara stresses the importance of ensuring equitable access to such treatments, regardless of the time of onset of a stroke.
The challenges of budget constraints within the Department of Health have delayed the delivery of essential services, though progress has been made in various areas outlined in the action plan. Despite these constraints, efforts are underway to prioritize the action plan within existing resources. The goal remains to meet the target set for expanded access to thrombectomy services by the end of the year.
In understanding the significance of timely intervention in stroke cases, proponents like McCausland and O’Hara are dedicated to advocating for enhanced availability of life-saving treatments such as thrombectomy. Their stories highlight the critical role of medical interventions in mitigating the impact of strokes and improving outcomes for patients in need of specialized care.