Stroke Patient Denied Timely Care After Hours, Faces Life Changes

A man in Scotland has become an advocate for 24/7 thrombectomy services after his stroke treatment was delayed due to hospital “office hours.” Graham McGowan, 53, suffered a stroke that left him immobile, claiming he was unable to receive critical treatment because he arrived at the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary at 21:00, outside of the hours when the necessary procedure was available.

Upon arrival, doctors performed a brain scan that identified a blood clot. They recommended a thrombectomy, a procedure designed to remove blood clots from large arteries. Yet, due to the timing of his visit, Graham was informed that the nearest specialist thrombectomy hub, located at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, only operates from 09:00 to 19:00, Monday to Friday. As a result, he was treated with thrombolysis, which involves administering drugs to dissolve clots, but this has not fully restored his mobility.

Graham, a former consultant and an active outdoor enthusiast from Aboyne, Scotland, has experienced a dramatic shift in his life. He now faces total immobility on his left side and relies on his wife, Heather McGowan, for support. “I can’t live independently. I can’t work. I can’t drive, ski, run, or mountain bike,” he said, highlighting the significant impact on his daily life.

His stroke was caused by a carotid arterial dissection, a tear in the carotid artery leading to a blockage that resulted in the stroke. Graham noted, “I had been running the day before. I was fit and healthy, with no signs that I could have a stroke.” The immediate fallout was paralysis on the left side of his body, an experience he described as “disturbing.”

Initially believing his condition would be temporary, Graham underwent four months of hospital recovery and intensive physiotherapy. He expressed gratitude for the support he received at Woodend Rehabilitation Hospital in Aberdeen, where he learned to walk again. “The physio team helped me take my first, single step,” he recalled.

Despite his progress, challenges persisted at home, where Heather took on the majority of household responsibilities. Graham initially used a wheelchair, but with perseverance and support, he has begun walking in his village and local woods again. He now aims to walk 50 km each month and has found a renewed sense of purpose through volunteering with the Stroke Association‘s Deeside Stroke Group.

In March 2024, Graham was appointed chair of the group, where he uses his experience to welcome new members and promote effective exercise strategies. He has collaborated with the Stroke Association in Scotland to advocate for a national 24/7 thrombectomy service, emphasizing the need for timely care for stroke patients.

John Watson, Associate Director for the Stroke Association in Scotland, noted, “Graham’s story pulls the need for a round-the-clock Scotland-wide thrombectomy service into sharp focus. Getting the best stroke care shouldn’t depend on where or when your stroke happens.”

An official from NHS Grampian stated that access to thrombectomy treatment has doubled across Scotland from 2022 to 2024, and acknowledged ongoing efforts to enhance patient access to this critical service. Public health minister Jenni Minto reinforced the Scottish Government’s commitment to ensuring optimal care for stroke patients, stating, “We will continue to work with health boards to drive up standards of local care.”

The Stroke Association provides support to stroke survivors and their families through various channels. Those affected by stroke can find more information by visiting the organization’s website at www.stroke.org.uk/scotland.