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Mechanical Thrombectomy Service Expands Access for South Wales Stroke Patients

Patients across South Wales who suffer an acute ischaemic stroke can now access life-saving treatment closer to home, following the expansion of the mechanical thrombectomy service at University Hospital Wales. This major improvement has been commissioned and driven by the NHS Wales Joint Commissioning Committee (NWJCC), which continues to play a pivotal role in shaping specialist stroke care for the region.    

Commissioned by the NWJCC, the enhanced service officially launched on 1 July 2025 and represents a step forward in improving access to stroke care across the region.  

Mechanical thrombectomy is a highly effective treatment for acute ischaemic stroke, the most common type of stroke, which occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery supplying the brain. The procedure restores blood flow, significantly improving survival rates and reducing long-term disability.  

Previously, most patients requiring mechanical thrombectomy, were transferred to Southmead Hospital in Bristol, with limited access available at University Hospital Wales for Cardiff and Vale patients only, and only during weekday daytime hours. 

This expansion ensures that patients across South Wales can now receive timely, specialist care closer to home, reducing transfer times, improving outcomes, and easing the burden on families and emergency services. 

 

Before July 2025, thrombectomy services in South Wales were: 

  • Available Monday to Friday, between 8am and 3pm at University Hospital Wales 

  • Limited to Cardiff and Vale patients 

  • Most other patients were transferred to Southmead Hospital, which operated 7 days a week, 6am to midnight 

 

From 1 July 2025, the expanded South Wales Thrombectomy Service now offers: 

  • Monday to Friday access from 8am to 5pm at University Hospital Wales 

  • Wraparound support from Southmead Hospital during early morning, evening and on weekends 

  • Wider eligibility for patients across South Wales, not just Cardiff and Vale 

 

Looking ahead, the aspiration is to develop a fully operational 24/7 thrombectomy service for South Wales by 2028–29, ensuring equity with patients in North Wales and Powys, who already benefit from 24/7 access via English providers. 

The expansion of thrombectomy provision at University Hospital Wales supports the national vision for stroke services in Wales, which aims to improve equity, quality, and access to care. It also aligns with key Welsh Government priorities, including the Future Generations Act, A Healthier Wales, and the Quadruple Aim. 

Melanie Wilkey, Director of Commissioning for Specialised Services at NWJCC, said:

“This initiative is part of a wider programme led by NWJCC, which has commissioned thrombectomy services for the Welsh population since 2019.  

“The current expansion is Phase 1 of a four-phase plan to increase availability, with future goals including the development of a 24/7 service. 

“As the service grows, it is expected to become more cost-effective and deliver substantial benefits to patients, the healthcare system, and the wider Welsh economy.  

“Reduced transfer times, improved clinical outcomes, and care delivered closer to home are just some of the advantages already being realised.  

“The South Wales Thrombectomy Service is a testament to collaborative working across NHS Wales and reflects NWJCC’s commitment to delivering high-quality, equitable care that meets the needs of the population.”