To ask the Minister of Health for an update on the Stroke Action Plan.

My Department’s Stroke Action Plan sets out six priorities for stroke reform in Northern Ireland (NI). While funding and resource pressures have constrained the pace of implementation, important progress has been made in each priority area.

Regarding priority one which focuses on prevention, progress includes the development of a regional model for a 7-day Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) or mini stroke assessment service and the development of action plans for implementation within each Trust.

In line with priority two, an audit of thrombolysis has been undertaken which has informed the development of recommendations to help promote the achievement of a target rate of 16% for NI.

The focus of priority three is on the thrombectomy service and progress includes the roll out of Artificial Intelligence software to all eight stroke receiving sites to assist in clinical decision making. In addition, it is anticipated that work on a Strategic Outline Case which will set out the resources required for a 24/7 thrombectomy service will be completed early in 2026.

Priority four focuses on long term support and rehabilitation. Progress includes the development of regional models for both community stroke services and the management of spasticity.

Priority five relates to the introduction of Hyperacute Stroke Care. A Hyperacute Stroke Project Board (HSPB) has been established to oversee a three-phase process to identify the optimum configuration for NI. Phase one of the process which used updated modelling to review measures to drive patient outcomes is now complete. Phase two of the process will involve an assessment of the sustainability of current services. This will be informed by an assessment of the workforce which is currently being progressed by the stroke workforce review under priority six.

Priority six focuses on a stroke workforce review which is now underway. A Workforce Review Steering Group was established in June 2025 to oversee this work and an outline workplan was agreed. The initial focus of the review is on an assessment of the hyperacute and acute workforce which will inform decision making on hyperacute services. It is anticipated that this phase of the review will conclude early in 2026.

It is important to note, that the Stroke Action Plan priorities will continue to be progressed as far as possible within current resources. However, full implementation will continue to be impacted by funding constraints.