UHNM wins two HSJ Awards

UHNM's Stroke Thrombectomy and Interventional Neuroradiology teams

University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM) is celebrating a major national success after its Stroke Thrombectomy and Interventional Neuroradiology teams won two awards at last night’s HSJ Awards. 

The teams took home both the Acute Sector Innovation of the Year and Modernising Diagnostics awards.  

The wins recognise the team’s use of artificial intelligence and technology to speed up diagnosis, the creation of one of the UK’s only sustainable 24/7 neurovascular and thrombectomy services, and the transformation of UHNM’s acute stroke pathway

Dr Sanjeev Nayak, consultant interventional neuroradiologist said: “We are extremely proud to have won two HSJ Awards which reflect the years of hard work, dedication and innovation demonstrated by the entire team. To be recognised nationally as one of the most forward-thinking services, with our thrombectomy programme highlighted as a leading example in the UK, is an exceptional honour.

“Our journey does not end here, and there is opportunity to further enhance thrombectomy access and outcomes. I hope this award highlights the national impact our service has already achieved and the potential for continued improvement.”

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.

More than 250 patients benefitted from a mechanical thrombectomy procedure at UHNM last year, one of the highest rates in the country.

Dr Simon Constable, chief executive said: “Winning two HSJ Awards not only reflects the innovation and strong collaboration within our teams but shows that people across Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire are able to benefit from a leading stroke service close to home.”

Last night’s awards follow the Stroke Thrombectomy and Interventional Neuroradiology team’s success at the HSJ Digital Awards in June when they won all three categories they were shortlisted for.