UHNM Stroke Thrombectomy Service scoops three HSJ Digital Awards
University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM) is celebrating a major national success after its Stroke Thrombectomy and Interventional Neuroradiology Teams won all three categories it was shortlisted for at the prestigious HSJ Digital Awards 2025.
The award wins recognise the team’s exceptional use of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve outcomes for stroke patients, with judges praising the service’s innovation, impact and collaborative approach.
More than 250 patients benefitted from a mechanical thrombectomy procedure at UHNM last year—one of the highest rates in the country.
The teams took home awards in the following categories:
- Digital Team of the Year: Empowering Stroke Care – Enhancing Thrombectomy Access Through AI-Driven Clinical Pathways
- Driving Change through AI and Automation: Artificial Intelligence Revolutionising Stroke Care and Improving Stroke Thrombectomy Access
- Optimising Clinical Pathways through Digital: Optimising Clinical Pathways through Artificial Intelligence to Improve Stroke Thrombectomy Access
Dr Sanjeev Nayak, Consultant Interventional Neuroradiologist at UHNM, said: “It’s a tremendous honour to receive all three HSJ Digital Awards and to see our stroke thrombectomy service and interventional neuroradiology team recognised on a national stage.
“These awards reflect the dedication, innovation and teamwork of an incredible multidisciplinary group—including stroke physicians, radiographers, anaesthetists, physiotherapists and nurses—who work tirelessly to deliver the best possible care for our patients.”
“While nationally only around ten per cent of stroke patients are eligible for thrombectomy, UHNM now treats 15 per cent—almost five times the national average of 3.3 per cent. In 2024, we treated 254 patients compared to 206 the previous year, all while improving our response times and patient outcomes. The introduction of AI has played a pivotal role, allowing us to rapidly assess brain scans, identify clots and act quickly to save lives and reduce disability.”
Royal Stoke University Hospital was one of the first in the UK to establish a dedicated 24/7 thrombectomy team, delivering potentially life-saving treatment using a specialist procedure that removes blood clots from deep inside the brain.
UHNM Chief Executive Dr Simon Constable said: “This is an outstanding achievement and a proud moment for the Trust. Winning three national HSJ Digital Awards is not only a tribute to the innovation and teamwork of our stroke thrombectomy service and neuroradiology teams —it is a victory for our patients and the people of Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire. It means that local people have access to one of the most advanced, responsive and effective stroke services in the country, right here on their doorstep.”
The service also received national recognition in 2024 from NHS England’s Medical Director, Professor Sir Stephen Powis, who called it “the best service in the country” during a thrombectomy awareness event at UHNM.
The HSJ Digital Awards ceremony took place in Birmingham on Thursday 26 June.