UHNM Stroke Thrombectomy Service nominated for three HSJ Digital Awards
University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM) is proud to announce that its Stroke Thrombectomy Service has been shortlisted for three HSJ Digital Awards.
Figures show that over 250 stroke patients at UHNM benefitted from a mechanical thrombectomy procedure last year, and now the service has been nominated for a HSJ Digital Award in the following categories:
• Digital Team of the Year: Empowering Stroke Care- Enhancing Thrombectomy Access Through AI-Driven Clinical Pathways
• Driving Change through AI and Automation Award: Artificial intelligence revolutionising Stroke care and improving Stroke Thrombectomy access
• Optimising Clinical Pathways through Digital: Optimising Clinical Pathways through Artificial intelligence to improve stroke Thrombectomy access
Dr Sanjeev Nayak, consultant interventional neuroradiologist at UHNM said: “While ten per-cent of stroke admissions are eligible to be treated by mechanical thrombectomy in the UK, UHNM now treats 15 per cent with a thrombectomy, almost five times the national average of 3.3 per cent. Our service has also seen a 23 per cent increase in the number of patients, treating 254 patients in 2024 compared to 206 the previous year.
“While patient numbers have increased, our response times and the number of positive outcomes for patients following a thrombectomy procedure have also improved. The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been crucial in achieving these figures, enabling us to work more efficiently by 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.
“The nomination reflects years of hard work and dedication from our team which includes stroke physicians, radiographers, anaesthetists, physiotherapists, and nurses. Their passion to make our service the best it can has seen UHNM push the boundaries for new and innovative technology that helps identify and treat more patients.”
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.
The service also held a successful thrombectomy awareness day in September 2024, where it received praise from Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS England medical director, who cited it as, “the best service in the country.”
Winners will be announced at a ceremony in Birmingham on Thursday 26 June.