Reaction

Phil Woodford, a stroke survivor and former NHS director, became a campaigner for 24/7 thrombectomy availability in Lancashire and South Cumbria after he was denied the procedure in 2016.

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He suffered a major stroke while already an inpatient at the Royal Preston - and yet still could not get a thrombectomy, because he fell ill on a Sunday.

He subsequently had to learn to walk and talk properly again - and was ultimately left with weakness down one side of his body, in spite of months of intensive physiotherapy.

Reacting to the news that the service will finally be available to patients whenever they need it, Phil, of Catterall, said: "While it's too late for those that have needlessly died or been left with unnecessary lifelong disability as a result of this shameful postcode lottery, this service expansion is very welcomed and will help to ensure improved stroke care for the people of Lancashire and South Cumbria.