Stroke Survivor Advocates for 24/7 Thrombectomy Services

A man from Scotland, Graham McGowan, is sharing his harrowing experience following a stroke that left him immobile due to a lack of timely treatment. McGowan, aged 53, was unable to receive necessary care because he arrived at the hospital outside “office hours.” He suffered a stroke on the evening of September 1, 2022, and was rushed to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (ARI) for urgent treatment.

Upon arrival, a brain scan revealed a blood clot, and doctors recommended a thrombectomy—a procedure designed to remove blood clots from major arteries. Unfortunately, McGowan learned he could not undergo the procedure, as it was after 21:00 and the nearest thrombectomy hub, located at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, only operates from 09:00 to 19:00, Monday to Friday. Instead, he was treated with thrombolysis, a medication aimed at dissolving clots.

The aftermath of the stroke has been life-altering for McGowan, who was previously an active individual, enjoying trail running and skiing. He now faces complete immobility on his left side, relying heavily on his wife, Heather, who has taken on the role of his carer. McGowan expressed the profound changes in their lives, stating, “I can’t live independently. I can’t work. I can’t drive, ski, run or mountain bike.”

His stroke was caused by a carotid arterial dissection, a condition that led to a blood clot traveling to his brain, resulting in paralysis. McGowan highlighted his health prior to the stroke, saying, “I’d been running the day before I had my stroke. I was fit and healthy—there were no signs that I could have a stroke, I had no risk factors.”

In the days following his stroke, McGowan experienced severe headaches and spent four days in a state of constant sleep. His recovery involved four months in the hospital and extensive physiotherapy. He credits the support from the Woodend Rehabilitation Hospital team for helping him regain some mobility. “The physio team helped me take my first, single step and taught me to walk again,” he noted.

Despite the challenges, McGowan is determined to reclaim his life. He aims to walk 50 kilometers each month and is actively involved with the Stroke Association’s Deeside Stroke Group, where he was appointed chair in March 2024. This role has provided him with a renewed purpose, allowing him to apply his professional skills towards supporting others in similar situations.

McGowan’s advocacy for a 24/7 thrombectomy service in Scotland highlights the critical need for timely access to stroke treatment. John Watson, Associate Director for the Stroke Association in Scotland, emphasized the importance of round-the-clock care, stating, “Getting the best stroke care shouldn’t depend on where or when your stroke happens.”

Public health minister Jenni Minto reiterated the government’s commitment to improving stroke care, stating, “We are focused on ensuring people who have had a stroke receive the best possible care as quickly as possible.” She added that over £51 million has been invested to enhance thrombectomy services across Scotland.

The NHS Grampian has reported that access to thrombectomy treatment has doubled between 2022 and 2024 as efforts continue to improve this essential service. McGowan’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the urgency for comprehensive stroke care, particularly in the context of time-sensitive treatments that can dramatically affect recovery outcomes.

For those affected by stroke, the Stroke Association provides support and resources both online and in communities across the UK. More information is available at www.stroke.org.uk/scotland or www.stroke.org.uk for services throughout the rest of the UK.