Stroke Clinics - Rapid Access TIA Clinics service

Stroke Clinics

Consultant led or nurse led clinics are run for stroke patients who are discharged from hospital, these clinics are provided to review and monitor any ongoing investigations and management. GP’s can also re refer stroke patients with complex medical needs for further advice and management. Secondary prevention issues will also be addressed in these clinics.

A multi-disciplinary team of nurses, physiotherapists, radiologists, occupational therapists, dieticians, social workers and speech and language therapists work together to provide specialist stroke care.  For more information, please contact one of our team below:

Stroke Consultants via secretary – 01226 432035

Stroke Specialist Nurses – 01226 431260

Lead Nurse – 01226 433040/431676

Neurological Physiotherapy – 01226 645429 more about this service 

Neuro Occupational Therapy – 01226 431607

Rapid Access TIA Clinic - 01226 436160

TIA is a medical emergency – anyone suffering a suspected TIA should see a doctor immediately.

BHNFT offer a 7 day High Risk TIA clinic – These clinics are led by one of the 2 Stroke Consultants, Stroke Specialist Nurse or one of the Acute Stroke Unit Sister/Charge Nurse. The low risk TIA clinic is run by SWYFT and is led by the stroke consultant or Stroke Nurse Consultant.

Referral into the TIA clinics is either by the emergency department or by a GP practice. High Risk TIA referrals are faxed to BHNFT’s appointment center and an appointment will be made for the same or next day. Low Risk TIA referrals are faxed to SWYFT’s community clinic.

As part of your consultation a concise history will be taken, which will include date and time of onset of symptoms, what symptoms you have experienced and for how long these symptoms lasted.

Following your consultation if a diagnosis of TIA is suspected, you may require several investigations, which usually include:-

• Blood pressure testing
• Blood tests
• ECG test
• Carotid Doppler studies
• You may need a CT scan or MRI scan
• You may need an echocardiogram and/or 7 day cardiac monitoring

The majority of these investigations will be carried out on the same day of your clinic appointment, so please be prepared for a lengthy day.

Once your tests have been carried out, you may be started on medication and the recommendations for ongoing management will be forwarded to your GP via letter. Usual treatment is medication to control your blood pressure and cholesterol and medication to prevent blood clots forming.

You will also receive education and advice re lifestyle factors and reducing risks, these would include:-

Hypertension

Smoking

Healthy Eating/Reducing Cholesterol

Weight Management

Information leaflets reiterating this advice will also be provided.

A follow up appointment will be made to attend 3-4 weeks later for the results of investigations and ongoing management.

Accessing the service

• Tel: 01226 436160

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