Prime Minister and Chancellor shown how innovative digital technology is helping patients during visit to University Hospital

University Hospital, Coventry was delighted to welcome Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves to showcase some of the amazing work taking place to deliver high quality patient care.

The Senior Cabinet Ministers visited on Thursday 31^st October to learn more about the pioneering approach to delivering NHS priorities – including advancements in digital technology and the treatment and prevention of illness.

Sir Keir and Rachel visited the Catheterization Lab to take a glimpse behind the scenes of a regional Thrombectomy service providing expert stroke care to patients from Coventry and Warwickshire.

Mechanical thrombectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that removes blood clots from arteries within the brain for patients who have suffered a stroke. The intervention has been shown to significantly increase positive patient outcomes and decrease the risk of long-term disability.

In line with the NHS’s national commitment, UHCW NHS Trust is working to further expand access to mechanical thrombectomy.

Sir Keir and Rachel also spoke to specialists in our Cardiology Team, which recently marked reaching a decade of performing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) procedures, rising from 11 in 2014 to about 200 each year.

The Tavi is a keyhole valve procedure for treatment of the narrowing of the aortic valve opening. A catheter is placed in the femoral artery in the groin and guided into the heart. A compressed heart valve is then placed in the catheter and positioned inside the diseased aortic valve. Once in position, the valve is expanded into a secure position, pushing the native valve into the wall of the aorta.

Professor Andy Hardy, Chief Executive Officer at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust, also spoke about major digital projects such as robotic surgery, which recently celebrated its 10-year anniversary, the roll out of the new Electronic Patient Record (EPR) and the innovative utilisation of Artificial Intelligence.

Professor Hardy said: “It was a pleasure to welcome the Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Exchequer to University Hospital to recognise the incredible work that is being undertaken by staff and services.

“Our Organisational Strategy, titled More than a Hospital, is very much aligned to the Government’s plans for the future of the NHS and I was extremely proud to share some of the ways we are leading the way in this regard.

“We have some exciting plans to enable us to appropriately meet the health needs of our local population now and into the future so it was wonderful to showcase and celebrate these and to offer our teams a platform to share their vision and ideas.”

Sir Keir and Rachel also took questions and listened to ideas from staff as part of the Government’s wider consultation ahead of the creation of a 10-Year Health Plan.

“Every day you make a difference to the lives of people in and around these communities and we really appreciate it, as do the people you care for,” said the Prime Minister.

“We have seen what you are doing in relation to strokes and heart valves, brilliant work that was really inspirational and reinforces in me what we can do with more innovation.

“We have a 10-year plan for the NHS and the change we are going to bring and I’m a big believer in listening to the people who are doing the job to get the best ideas about how we can do it better, and that’s been reinforced by the discussions we have had during our visit to University Hospital.”

Anyone wanting to share their views, experiences and ideas to help shape the future of the NHS can do so here.

* Pictures courtesy of Kirsty O'Connor