To ask the Minister of Health in which Health and Social Care Trust can patients avail of thrombectomy services; and when she envisages this service might be available (i) to all patients; and (ii) on a 24 hour, seven days a week basis.

Thrombectomy is a specialist procedure provided by neuro-radiologists in the Royal Victoria Hospital. It is currently provided between the hours of 08.30-17.30 hours, Monday to Friday. Suitable patients attending any emergency department in the North can access this service by referral during these hours.

The Health and Social Care Board is in discussion with the Belfast Trust on the feasibility of a phased expansion of the hours of this service. This service development will have to be carefully considered within the context of ongoing budget pressures and other competing HSC services requiring new investment in the years ahead.