TLDR: The University Hospitals of North Midlands (UHNM) Stroke Thrombectomy and Interventional Neuroradiology teams have been shortlisted for three prestigious HSJ Awards, recognizing their innovative use of artificial intelligence, establishment of a 24/7 neurovascular service, and significant improvements in acute stroke care. This follows their recent success at the HSJ Digital Awards 2025.
The University Hospitals of North Midlands (UHNM) is celebrating a significant achievement as its Stroke Thrombectomy and Interventional Neuroradiology teams have been shortlisted for three highly coveted HSJ Awards. This recognition highlights the teams’ groundbreaking work in stroke treatment and neurovascular care, particularly their adoption of advanced technology and artificial intelligence.
The nominations span three key categories: the Modernising Diagnostics Award, the Driving Efficiency Through Technology Award, and the Acute Sector Innovation of the Year. These shortlistings underscore UHNM’s commitment to innovation, patient-focused care, and leadership in the healthcare sector.
A primary factor in their nomination is the teams’ innovative use of artificial intelligence (AI) and other advanced technologies. This integration has dramatically accelerated the diagnosis and treatment processes for stroke and brain haemorrhage patients, ensuring that critical interventions can be performed more rapidly when every minute counts. Furthermore, UHNM has successfully established one of the UK’s only sustainable 24/7 neurovascular and thrombectomy services, providing round-the-clock access to life-saving procedures.
Dr. Sanjeev Nayak, Consultant Interventional Neuroradiologist at UHNM, expressed his pride in the teams’ accomplishments, stating, “This recognition reflects the innovation, collaboration, and patient-focused care that defines our service. It’s a testament not only to the expertise and dedication of the stroke thrombectomy and interventional neuroradiology team and our colleagues in anaesthetics, stroke, neurosurgery, neurology, and critical care, but also to UHNM’s position as a national leader in delivering cutting-edge clinical innovation.” He further emphasized, “These nominations highlight how we’ve harnessed artificial intelligence and advanced technology to speed up diagnosis and treatment for stroke and brain haemorrhages, developed a sustainable 24/7 thrombectomy service, and completely transformed the acute stroke pathway.”
The impact of these advancements on patient care is substantial. Last year, over 250 stroke patients at UHNM benefited from a mechanical thrombectomy procedure, a figure that is expected to rise to approximately 300 in 2025. This places UHNM among the highest rates in the country for such procedures. The teams also deliver outstanding results for patients undergoing minimally invasive neurosurgical procedures, such as aneurysm treatments, ensuring timely interventions and excellent outcomes.
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This latest recognition builds upon previous accolades. Earlier in 2025, the service received national acclaim by winning all three categories for which it was shortlisted at the prestigious HSJ Digital Awards. Additionally, in 2024, NHS England’s Medical Director, Professor Sir Stephen Powis, lauded UHNM’s service as “the best service in the country” during a thrombectomy awareness event. The HSJ Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place in London on November 20th.
