Going into hospital
Most people who have had a stroke will go to hospital for initial care and assessment in accident and emergency. Depending on the facilities the hospital has, they may be cared for in:
- a specialist stroke unit or ward
- a general rehabilitation ward that can meet the specific needs of stroke patients.
The stroke care team
The stroke team will be made up of doctors, nurses and therapists. Most of them will have specialist training in caring for people who have had a stroke.
Doctors
- The consultant is the most senior doctor, who is in overall charge of the stroke medical team.
- Middle grade doctors (registrars) and junior doctors (house officers) visit the ward regularly to check on each patient.
- Specialists such as stroke physicians or neurologists might be involved in caring for people who have had a stroke.
Nurses
Nurses and healthcare assistants are the person’s main carers in hospital. A named nurse or special team of nurses:
- provide day-to-day care, making sure the person is kept comfortable
- regularly check pulse, temperature and blood pressure
- give medication
- help the person move about
- help them eat and drink.
Nursing care also helps avoid complications that can happen to stroke patients. For example, nurses can make sure paralysed arms or legs are positioned correctly to stop further damage or pain. People who are bed-bound need to be moved regularly to avoid pressure sores and blood clots. Compression stockings and a ripple mattress might be used to help normal circulation.
A continence nurse can help with the problems some people have controlling their bowel and bladder immediately after a stroke. For example, a catheter might be needed to help drain their bladder.
Links
Audio - When a stroke happens (3823 kb)
A stroke is a brain injury
Hospital tests
Swallow test
Heart and blood vessel tests
Rehabilitation
From hospital to home
