If you think you, or someone you know is
suffering from a stroke you need to call
999 for an ambulance immediately.
If we believe you are having a stroke, we will
get to you as soon as possible.
When our staff arrive they will:
- assess you using the FAST
test. If this shows you are suffering the symptoms of a stroke
or transient ischaemic attack our staff will take
you for specialist hospital treatment
- measure your blood glucose level
- measure your blood pressure.
Read more about the work we’re doing to
improve care for stroke patients.
Where you will be taken
If you are having a stroke, you will not
necessarily be taken to your nearest hospital. Instead we may, if
appropriate, take you to one of nine hyper-acute stroke units
(HASUs) in London where a team of specialists can assess and
treat you any time of day or night. As a result you will receive
the best possible level of care.
For more information about the nine HASUs based at
hospitals in London, please click on the links below:
Treatment at a hyper-acute stroke unit
At a hyper-acute stroke unit (HASU), you will be handed over to
a team of expert clinicians who are on standby 24/7.
As well as their expertise, you will have access to brain
scanning equipment. Depending on your condition, a number of tests
and treatments can be given to you.
It’s important to remember that for the most effective treatment
you need to be at a HASU as quickly as possible; preferably within
three hours of the onset of symptoms.
It’s important that you call 999 for an
ambulance immediately if you think you or someone you know is
suffering from a stroke.
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