New film showcases urgent need for lifechanging stroke treatment

Stroke survivors and healthcare professionals from across Northern Ireland attended the premiere screening of a new documentary which highlights the unacceptable part time state of thrombectomy services in Northern Ireland.

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 also features stroke survivors, politicians, campaigners, and doctors, alongside Stroke Association Directors and experts in practice and policy.

Thrombectomy is a game-changing treatment which removes the blood clot after someone has a stroke. 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.

Yet around 100 patients each year in Northern Ireland are missing out as it isn’t available 24/7 so the Stroke Association NI is campaigning to improve access to thrombectomy. Currently, it is only available between 8am and 6pm, so anyone admitted to hospital outside these hours would have to wait until the following morning – which can make a huge difference to the impact of their stroke and recovery.

Alasdair O’Hara, Northern Ireland Director at the Stroke Association, said: “It’s impossible to watch this documentary without marvelling at the power of thrombectomy and the impact this game changing stroke procedure has had on the stroke survivors interviewed. The potential for this procedure to save brains, save money and save lives is there for all to see.

“Time and again we hear stroke survivors speak about how lucky they were to receive a thrombectomy but unfortunately, we know that there are many stroke survivors who miss out. It shouldn’t be down to luck – thrombectomy should be available as a routine treatment for every patient who needs it, no matter when or where they have their stroke.

“We know staff in the Royal and stroke teams throughout NI have worked hard to build the thrombectomy service. It’s time to get behind these efforts and invest in thrombectomy to make sure that no one misses out on a vital treatment for the medical emergency that is a stroke.

“Well done to Harry and Toast City Productions for shining a light on the ongoing failure to move thrombectomy services to a 24/7 service.”

In May 2019, Harry’s father William had a stroke when he was home alone. He was found collapsed and unresponsive in the hallway of the family home several hours later. The family called an ambulance, and William was taken to Craigavon Area Hospital.

William received thrombolysis, a clot-busting drug, and after some time, the doctor recommended that he should be transferred to Royal Victoria Hospital. Once at the Royal Victoria Hospital, a team of doctors and surgeons came in out-of-hours to perform William’s thrombectomy at around 11pm. 

Harry said that before 2019, he had never heard of a thrombectomy. He added: “Since then, the term ‘thrombectomy’ has remained at the forefront of my mind. I credit this procedure with saving my father's life after he had a stroke. My dad has been left partially disabled down one side of his body and has remained mostly non-verbal. He is still very much a huge personality to his family and friends, a loving husband, father and grandad. 

“We are extremely grateful to the medical professionals that took care of him. We dread to think what the outcome might have been had my dad not received a thrombectomy within the timeframe that he did.

“Strokes can happen to anyone, at any time. I hope that through telling the story of my father's journey, I will be able to help shed light on this incredible procedure, and why it has never been more important to make thrombectomy available in Northern Ireland 24/7.”

Clodagh Dunlop MBE, from Magherafelt in Co. Londonderry, features in the documentary. Clodagh suffered a brain stem stroke which initially left her with locked-in syndrome in April 2015. She was completely paralysed and she was only able to communicate by using her eyes.

She said: “The documentary is a powerful narrative about thrombectomy. I am 10 years post stroke on 6 April 2025. I had a thrombectomy which saved my life, but as my stroke was out of hours, I now live with significant physical disabilities due to thrombectomy only being available 8am-6pm in Northern Ireland. Timely intervention with thrombectomy saves lives and prevents disabilities. I hope this documentary adds to the momentum of voices asking for thrombectomy to be available 24/7 in Northern Ireland.”

You can watch the documentary here - Thrombectomy: Restoring Life | Stroke Association