Patients on the Isle of Man now have access to specialist stroke treatment around the clock.

Additional funding has been secured to operate a new tele-stroke thrombolysis service.

It will be run in partnership with the Royal Liverpool Hospital and means a clot-busting intervention drug can be offered 'out-of-hours' for the first time.

Consultants in Liverpool will examine scan images remotely and liaise with specialist stroke nursing staff at Noble's via video link.  

Four extra nurses have been recruited to help run the 24-hour service.

Lead Nurse for Stroke Gillian Horsey says: "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 and Social Care Minister David Ashford says: "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."