Double delight for UHMM as Stroke Thrombectomy Service shortlisted for two HSJ Awards
University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM) is proud to announce that its Stroke Thrombectomy Service has been shortlisted for two HSJ Awards.
Latest figures show that almost five times the national average number of patients are leaving hospital with no stroke symptoms following a mechanical thrombectomy procedure at UHNM, and now the service has been nominated for a HSJ award in the following categories:
• Acute Sector Innovation of the Year
• Modernising Diagnostics Award
Dr Sanjeev Nayak, Consultant Interventional Neuroradiologist said: “Ten per cent of Stroke admissions are eligible to be treated by Mechanical Thrombectomy in the UK. UHNM treats 12.8 per cent of stroke admissions with thrombectomy, which is four times higher than the national average of 3.3 per cent in England and successfully meets the national target by treating all thrombectomy-eligible stroke patients admitted directly to their facility.
“Latest figures from the NHS GIRFT data reveal that 32 per cent of patients undergoing thrombectomy at UHNM are discharged with no stroke symptoms. This rate is four to five times higher than the national average of seven per cent in England. And after undergoing thrombectomy 49.4 per cent of patients at UHNM are able to live independently, compared to the national average of 34.7 per cent.
“The use of AI has enabled us to reach these figures, allowing us to see how much of the brain has been impacted by a stroke based on scan results. We can quickly see where any blockage is as well as what the vessels look like. But whilst AI has helped speed up the process, the real success is down to our massive team of stroke physicians, radiographers, anaesthetists, physiotherapists, and nurses to name but a few, I am proud of all their efforts, enthusiasm, and commitment.
“I am delighted that these UHNM projects focused on artificial intelligence to enhance stroke thrombectomy access have been shortlisted in two categories at the HSJ Awards. With over 1,350 entries, we’re honoured to be among the finalists, highlighting the incredible innovation at UHNM, and we are looking forward to the ceremony later this year.”
Royal Stoke University Hospital was one of the first UK site to have a dedicated 24/7 team to provide specialist care and treatment for patients who have a potentially life-changing stroke.
The procedure involves carefully removing blood clots from deep within the brain, using a three foot-long wire. A stent at the end of the wire envelopes the clot and pulls it out, allowing blood to flow freely to the brain. This procedure is most effective when performed within six to 24 hours after stroke symptoms begin, with earlier interventions leading to better outcomes.
Although this treatment isn't available to all stroke patients, it has proved to be life-changing for many. Patients with the most severe strokes previously had a mortality risk of 50%, whereas this treatment has a direct impact on the patient population reducing mortality to 14%, one of the lowest for such severe strokes in the UK.
Winners will be announced at the HSJ Awards ceremony on Thursday 21 November.