Clinical medicine (London, England)
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Mechanical thrombectomy is a highly effective but time dependent treatment for acute ischaemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion. In the UK, the national clinical guidelines for stroke and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidance endorses thrombectomy as an acute stroke treatment, and NHS England commissioned thrombectomy services. However, there are no UK 'real-world' data to verify the efficacy of the hub-and-spoke model in thrombectomy. ⋯ Fifty-three per cent of thrombectomy cases were performed outside of standard working hours when transfer delays were increased. A 24/7 thrombectomy service is needed to maximise the benefit to all suitable patients. Measures, including improving workflow and optimising work forces, are needed to minimise the delays and continue to improve the service.