Strokes are a medical emergency and urgent treatment is essential.

The sooner a person receives treatment for a stroke, the less damage is likely to happen.

If you suspect that you or someone else is having a stroke, phone 999 immediately and ask for an ambulance.

Symptoms of a stroke

The main symptoms of stroke can be remembered with the word FAST:

  • Face – the face may have dropped on 1 side, the person may not be able to smile, or their mouth or eye may have dropped.
  • Arms – the person with suspected stroke may not be able to lift both arms and keep them there because of weakness or numbness in 1 arm.
  • Speech – their speech may be slurred or garbled, or the person may not be able to talk at all despite appearing to be awake; they may also have problems understanding what you're saying to them.
  • Time – it's time to dial 999 immediately if you see any of these signs or symptoms.

The Stroke Service has undergone major service redesign in line with the national Stroke Strategy and continues to develop to meet best practice; we are the busiest Stroke Service in Wessex and the third busiest in England.

The Stroke Service (incl. CSRT) at PHU is subject to performance reporting via the Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme (SSNAP) which aims to improve the quality of stroke care by measuring both the structure and processes of stroke care against evidence based standards. These standards are informed by the National Clinical Guideline for Stroke, and national and local benchmarks. 

Our service covers:

  • Direct admission hyper acute stroke unit
  • Acute stroke unit
  • Stroke rehabilitation
  • Neuro rehabilitation
  • Community Stroke Rehab Team
  • Transient Ischaemic Attack clinic

The organisation of the service is evidence-based and guideline driven. The care offered to patients following stroke will vary according to severity, treatment decisions, patient choice and availability of community support.

On admission to the Emergency Department at QA, if you are referred to the stroke service you will be assessed by a Specialist Stroke Nurse (7 days per week/8am – 8.30pm) and other colleagues from our multi-disciplinary teams (e.g. imaging, stroke consultants). If a stroke is confirmed patients are directly admitted to our Hyper Acute Stroke Unit (HASU).

The role of the Hyper Acute Stroke Unit is to establish a clear diagnosis of the type of stroke and its likely cause. Through multi-professional management of the common complications of stroke, outcomes for patients are improved and information and advice for patients and their families is provided.

If further rehabilitation is required, patients aged 65 years or over will either be admitted to the Stroke Rehabilitation Ward (D10) or be transferred to their own home to continue with the Community Stroke Rehabilitation Team (CSRT). All decisions regarding transfers will be discussed with the patient.

Patients under the age of 65 years may receive in-patient rehabilitation within the Phoenix Rehabilitation Centre.  A Clinical Nurse Specialist co-ordinates the care for this group of patients and medical care is provided by Consultants in rehabilitation medicine. Once ready for discharge patients may also be supported to go home with the Community Stroke Rehabilitation Team.

The Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA) Clinic is a rapid assessment clinic, for patients whose GP’s are concerned that they may have suffered what is commonly known as a mini stroke (TIA). These clinics operate frequently with patients able to access rapid diagnostics and opinions and this is accessed via GP referral.

The Hyper Acute Stroke Unit is accessed following an attendance and assessment in the Emergency Department. Onward referral to Stroke Rehabilitation and the Community Stroke Team, if required, will be made by the team supporting you whilst an inpatient on our wards.

Ward F4: Lift Area 8 at QA Hospital.

TIA service C1: Lift Area 7 at QA Hospital. 

Our stroke ward is located on F Level (F4); our stroke rehab (D10) and neuro rehab wards (D10) are on the same floor.

Our CSRT service is located on the QA site but delivers its services in people’s homes.

The TIA service is located on C1 (opposite Lift Area 7).

Tel: 02392 286119 (TIA Clinic)

Our ward based stroke and rehab teams operate 24/7 whilst our CSRT service provides visits 7 days per week based on clinical need. 

Our TIA clinic offers appointments 7 days per week (9:00am – 5:00pm on weekdays).