New documentary highlights urgent need for 24/7 stroke treatment in Northern Ireland

A powerful new documentary premiered this week in Northern Ireland, spotlighting the critical gaps in stroke care and calling for urgent action to establish round-the-clock thrombectomy services.

Titled Thrombectomy: Restoring Life, the film is the work of 34-year-old videographer Harry Bateman from County Armagh, who drew upon his own family’s traumatic experience to illustrate the life-saving potential of this groundbreaking stroke treatment.

The premiere was attended by stroke survivors, healthcare professionals, campaigners, and policymakers from across the region.

Thrombectomy is a highly effective procedure that removes blood clots from the brain after a stroke, dramatically reducing disability and improving outcomes when delivered swiftly. Yet in Northern Ireland, the service is currently only available between 8am and 6pm—leaving dozens of stroke patients each year without timely access to a treatment that could transform their recovery.

Harry’s father, William, suffered a stroke in May 2019 while home alone. Hours later, he was discovered collapsed and rushed to Craigavon Area Hospital, where he was given thrombolysis, a clot-busting drug.

Recognising the severity of his condition, clinicians transferred him to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast, where a thrombectomy was performed by an out-of-hours team around 11pm.

Reflecting on the experience, Harry said:

“Before 2019, I had never even heard of a thrombectomy. I credit this procedure with saving my father’s life. While he now lives with partial paralysis and has been mostly non-verbal since, he remains a beloved father, husband and grandfather.”

He added: “Strokes can strike anyone, at any time. I hope this film shows just how crucial thrombectomy is and why it needs to be available 24/7 in Northern Ireland.”

The documentary features contributions from stroke survivors, healthcare experts, political figures and representatives from the Stroke Association.

Among them is Clodagh Dunlop MBE from Magherafelt, Co Londonderry, who suffered a brain stem stroke in 2015 and was initially diagnosed with locked-in syndrome. A thrombectomy saved her life—but because the procedure occurred outside routine hours, the delay left her with significant lifelong disabilities.

“I am 10 years post-stroke next April,” Clodagh said. “Timely intervention saves lives and prevents disabilities. I hope this documentary amplifies the voices demanding 24/7 thrombectomy access.”

Currently, around 100 patients each year in Northern Ireland are believed to miss out on the procedure due to its limited availability. This delay can be devastating: every minute after a stroke, approximately 1.9 million brain cells are lost. Studies consistently show that thrombectomy not only saves lives but is cost-effective by reducing the need for long-term care and rehabilitation.

Alasdair O’Hara, Northern Ireland Director at the Stroke Association, praised the film’s impact and its message:

“It’s impossible to watch this documentary without marvelling at the power of thrombectomy. The potential for this procedure to save brains, save money and save lives is there for all to see.

“Sadly, too many people miss out simply because of when their stroke occurs. That’s unacceptable. Thrombectomy must become a routine treatment available to every eligible patient, at any time of day or night.”

He also commended the dedication of medical teams across Northern Ireland:

“Staff at the Royal and other stroke units have worked tirelessly to build the thrombectomy service. Now it’s time for health authorities to back those efforts with investment and ensure no patient is left behind.”

WATCH: The documentary, Thrombectomy: Restoring Life

The Stroke Association continues to campaign for equitable access to thrombectomy, urging decision-makers to treat stroke with the urgency it demands.

Over 4,000 people survive a stroke each year in Northern Ireland. The Stroke Association, the region’s leading stroke charity, provides ongoing support for survivors and their families. For more information or support, visit stroke.org.uk or call the Stroke Helpline on 0303 3033 100.