Thrombectomy: Restoring Life, directed by 34-year-old videographer Harry Bateman from County Armagh, tells Harry’s family story after his father had a stroke in 2019 to emphasise the urgent need for a 24/7 thrombectomy service in Northern Ireland.
The film features other stroke survivors, politicians, campaigners, and doctors, alongside Stroke Association Directors and experts in practice and policy.
Thrombectomy is a game-changing treatment in stroke care. Yet around 100 patients each year in Northern Ireland are missing out as it isn’t available 24/7. The Stroke Association NI is campaigning to improve access to thrombectomy.
For the 1 in 10 stroke patients who are suitable, it significantly reduces their chance of disabilities like paralysis, blindness and aphasia - and in some cases even saves lives. 1.9 million brain cells are lost every minute after a stroke, so it is a very time sensitive procedure and the quicker someone receives it the better chance they have of making a good recovery.
The procedure can save brain function, reduce disability, is cost-effective for long-term care and rehabilitation and ultimately change lives.