Professor Sir Stephen Powis joins Stroke Association to help increase access to lifechanging treatments and vital rehabilitation

Former National Medical Director for NHS England Professor Sir Stephen Powis is joining the Stroke Association as its first formal clinical Ambassador to advocate for the thousands of people in the UK who are affected by stroke every year.

Sir Stephen Powis will be joining the Stroke Association in a first-of-its-kind voluntary role for the charity. He will further develop the charity’s clinical expertise to help champion stroke survivors and advocate for change in treatment, care and support for the 240 people who wake up to life after stroke every day in the UK.

Steve has long been a supporter of the charity’s work and, after stepping down from his executive position with the NHS in July, he contacted the Stroke Association to see how he could continue his work to improve access to vital stroke treatments, including thrombectomy.

Over the last two years, Steve has visited each of the 26 thrombectomy centres in England at least once, to support clinical staff and encourage regional health leaders and commissioners to make the lifechanging and lifesaving procedure available to every eligible stroke patient. Thrombectomy removes the blood clot which causes a stroke which can save lives and also reduce disability for survivors who can be left unable to move, see, speak, or even swallow.

Volunteering his time for one or two days every month for the next three years, Steve will help to maintain the focus of getting the thrombectomy rate to its 10% target by 2028 – increasing from the current 4.4% of eligible patients who have the treatment. He will support further NHS visits with the ambition for thrombectomy to be available 24/7 nationwide across the UK. Steve will also advocate for robust rehabilitation services to support stroke survivors, including those who have had a thrombectomy.

Steve’s first engagement as an ambassador will be at the UK Stroke Forum this week in Aberdeen where he will be meeting and discussing stroke treatment and care with sector leaders, partners and practitioners at the Stroke Association’s stand.

Sir Stephen said: “I will never forget the impact of visiting all of England’s thrombectomy centres and seeing first-hand the incredible work the teams are doing to save stroke survivors. It’s a simple but incredibly effective procedure which transforms lives, especially when coupled with effective rehabilitation support.

“That’s why this isn’t something which should only be available to stroke survivors who live in particular parts of the country – it's unfair, unjust and must stop. That’s why I am willingly and proactively giving my time to the Stroke Association so I can help to ensure that every eligible patient has a thrombectomy and, therefore, the opportunity to make a good recovery. I am proud to be an ambassador for the charity and its admirable work to help and support everyone in the UK who is affected by stroke.”

Steve will work closely with the Stroke Association’s CEO, Juliet Bouverie OBE, and the charity’s Medical Director, Professor Deb Lowe, who joined the charity last year so her clinical expertise could support the charity’s ambition for stroke to be prioritised across prevention, treatment and long-term support.

Juliet Bouverie OBE said: “Stroke is the UK’s fourth biggest killer and the leading cause of complex adult disability – but stroke patients all too often don’t get the treatment and ongoing support they need to recover and live physically and mentally well.

“So, we warmly welcome Steve Powis as he joins the Stroke Association in this unique voluntary capacity to help ensure that stroke patients across the UK get timely, effective treatment and rehabilitation when and where they need it.”

Professor Deb Lowe said: “Thrombectomy is a true gamechanger – it can make the difference between a stroke survivor walking out of hospital or leaving in a wheelchair. Yet far too many stroke patients miss out on it because of the postcode lottery which monopolises access to this treatment.

“With Steve’s expertise, unwavering commitment and passion to support stroke survivors, I am confident that, together, we can bring about long overdue change for people affected by stroke.”

The Stroke Association supports stroke survivors and their families by phone, at home, and in the community. Find out more at www.stroke.org.uk

ENDS

For more information, contact: Jude Clay, PR Manager at the Stroke Association on jude.clay@stroke.org.uk