Paul Lunn, a retired schoolteacher, suffered a major stroke in 2022 at the age of 61. He was rushed to Leeds General Infirmary, where specialists carried out a mechanical thrombectomy. With an intensive programme of rehabilitation and therapy, he has returned to good health and credits his recovery in large part to the mechanical thrombectomy, to the teams who cared for him and also to his wife for recognising the signs of stroke so quickly.
This World Stroke Day Paul and specialists from the Trust call for more people to recognise the signs of a stroke and acting fast, whilst sharing the news that a 24/7/365 specialist mechanical thrombectomy service is now fully in place across West Yorkshire.
Mechanical thrombectomy is one of the most effective emergency treatments available for stroke patients having a stroke due to a blockage in a large blood vessel in the brain or neck. The procedure involves removing the clot through a minimally invasive technique, restoring blood flow to the brain and significantly reducing the risk of death and long-term disability.
Paul said: “When I had my stroke, I was fortunate to receive treatment when I did. Having a service available around the clock means more people will have the same chance I had. It has the potential to change many lives for the better, if people in the community know the signs.”
The stroke symptoms checklist is FAST:
Face – facial weakness or drooping
Arms – arm weakness
Speech – slurred speech or difficulty speaking
Time – call 999 immediately
Dr Marissa Minns, Clinical Lead for the stroke service at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “The introduction of a full 24/7/365 mechanical thrombectomy service in Leeds is a significant step forward for stroke care across West Yorkshire and a milestone that has taken many people and many years to achieve. Every part of the pathway is critical, and it is only through the commitment and expertise of all teams involved that we are now able to provide this service around the clock for patients who need it most.”
Clinical evidence has shown that for eligible patients, when delivered quickly alongside specialist stroke care, thrombectomy can dramatically improve outcomes, helping more people return to independent lives and reducing the need for long-term rehabilitation.
The new service in Leeds follows years of planning and collaboration between NHS organisations across Yorkshire, NHS England Specialised Commissioning, clinicians, operational teams and the Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust.
The achievement of delivering the round-the-clock specialist mechanical thrombectomy service is credit to a highly coordinated multidisciplinary response involving emergency services, stroke physicians, the Brain Attack Team, interventional neuroradiologists, anaesthetists, nursing teams, radiographers and rehabilitation specialists.
Paul now spends much of his time promoting education around stroke and is a committed member of local stroke support group, Roundhay Stroke Support Group, founded 17 years ago. Paul added: “Knowing the signs and calling 999 immediately can save your life and improve your chances of recovery.”