Robin Swann MP Welcomes 24/7 Regional Thrombectomy Service

South Antrim MP Robin Swann has welcomed the announcement by Health Minister Robbie Butler MLA that Northern Ireland’s regional thrombectomy service is now fully operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The £5 million expansion makes Northern Ireland the first part of the UK to offer round-the-clock access to the life-saving stroke treatment. Delivered via a regional pathway involving Antrim Area Hospital and the Royal Victoria Hospital, the service removes blood clots to restore blood flow to the brain, significantly improving recovery chances.

Mr Swann, a former Health Minister, said:

"This is a landmark achievement for healthcare in Northern Ireland and a huge step forward for stroke care across South Antrim and beyond.

"Stroke is a medical emergency that can strike at any time, and expanding thrombectomy provision to a full 24/7 service ensures that time of day is no longer a barrier to receiving this life-changing treatment.

"I pay tribute to the specialist teams across our health service, the Stroke Association and the dedicated campaigners who have worked tirelessly to deliver this expansion, and I thank the Health Minister for taking this important step. This investment will save lives and deliver significantly better outcomes for patients and their families."