Manx residents who suffer a stroke will have access to thrombolysis treatment 24/7 thanks to a new initiative.

Round-the-clock treatment has been made available as extra funding has been secured to provide a partnership with Royal Liverpool Hospital.

Under the partnership, consultants from the hospital in Liverpool will examine a patient’s scan remotely and liaise with specialist nurses at Noble’s via video link to decide on a patient’s best course of treatment.

Four extra nurses have been recruited to enable the stroke team operate 24/7.

The additional cost of the initiative to the Department of Health and Social Care is £338,000 per annum.

A spokesman for the DHSC said the partnership has already been put to use and worked well towards ’making a speedy decision on diagnosis and hospital admission’.

Thrombolysis works to break down blood clots, the cause of strokes, thereby decreasing the risk of serious long term damage which can lead to disability.

With this new initiative, it will be the first time the island has been able to offer the drug out of hours.

Lead nurse for stroke Gillian Horsey said: ’The key to a good recovery from stroke is early detection and rapid treatment.

’Our enhanced service at weekends and evenings is good news for patients.

’A small proportion of those who suffer a stroke are suitable for thrombolysis but with this extended service we will be able to ensure that all those who are suitable receive it.’

Health Minister David Ashford MHK said: ’This initiative brings a welcome deployment of tele-medicine on the front line of healthcare.

’The development will allow us to work smarter, tapping into expertise off-island quickly and efficiently.

’’A stroke can leave patients with long-term disabilities, which require a host of other services and support. The investment in this project will benefit not only the individual but their families and the wider community.’

To coincide with the launch of the new service, DHSC has organised a stroke awareness campaign.

Information will be displayed on boards and in leaflets at Noble’s and Ramsey Cottage hospitals.

The campaign is supported by the Manx Stroke Foundation which is promoting the FAST campaign which has been active for a number of years.

Nurse Gillian Horsey said: ’I would urge anyone who witnesses stroke symptoms or who thinks they are having a stroke to dial 999.’

Remember FAST if you suspect someone may have had a stroke: Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties, Time to call 999.