Overview
- The Stroke Association reported that 1,222 patients missed out on mechanical thrombectomy between October and December 2025, citing national audit data.
- Only 4.8% of stroke patients received the procedure in that quarter, below the NHS target set in 2019 to reach 10%.
- Access depends on where you live, with 17 of England’s 24 specialist neuroscience centres offering thrombectomy at all hours.
- Thrombectomy removes a clot from a blocked brain artery and must be done within about 24 hours at hospitals equipped to provide it.
- NHS England said more than eight in ten people now have access to 24/7 centres and it is investing £14 million and training staff to widen capacity in the coming months.