19 May 2026
SDLP Opposition Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath MLA has welcomed a commitment from the Health Minister to fund a dedicated 24/7 thrombectomy service for stroke patients.
The Minister confirmed to campaigners that the service would be introduced once the Budget for his department is confirmed.
The commitment follows an SDLP Opposition Day motion earlier this year highlighting the benefits of the service and calling on the Minister to act.
South Down MLA Colin McGrath said:
“The SDLP has been working closely with campaigners, including Stroke Association NI, to highlight the urgent need for a dedicated 24/7 thrombectomy service. At present the service only operates during limited daytime hours, meaning clinically eligible patients can face delays to treatment that significantly increase the risk of permanent disability or death.
“The benefits of thrombectomy treatment are enormous, giving patients a far greater chance of making a full and timely recovery following a stroke. Despite repeated commitments, progress towards introducing this service has been far too slow. I welcome this commitment from the Health Minister, but this is yet another example of a way that the Executive’s failure to agree a Budget is negatively impacting the public.
“The SDLP has also called on the Minister to explore this as an all-island service supporting people living in border regions so that patients in places like Donegal, Dundalk and Sligo are not forced to travel long distances to Dublin for treatment. It makes sense to examine cross-border cooperation and funding arrangements where they can improve patient outcomes and ensure people receive the best possible care.”