Hospital services

Stroke Referrals

Around 2000 patients referred with a suspected stroke in Fife are admitted to hospital or seen in TIA clinics each year.  

Acute stroke services are provided at the Victoria Hospital Kirkcaldy (VHK). TIA clinics take place in VHK and also Queen Margaret Hospital Dunfermline (QMH).

Patients that live in Fife (or visiting) can present to the Emergency Department at VHK or dial 999 if they develop sudden signs of a stroke. Patients are also referred by GPs/ out of hours medical services.

Stroke Unit Services

We aim to transfer all stroke patients to the specialist stroke unit as soon as possible after admission.

Admission

There are 24 acute stroke beds at VHK. Patients are admitted either directly from the emergency department or via the admission unit in VHK.

Patients remain in the acute unit for a period of time for assessments, treatments and therapy. The amount of time ranges in each case depending on severity of symptoms and how much rehabilitation is required. Most patients can expect to be discharged home or transferred to a rehabilitation unit within 7-10 days.

Rehabilitation

Most people are discharged home from hospital after a stroke but some will require the specialist services provided by NHS continuing care.

Patients who need prolonged rehabilitation are transferred to specialist stroke rehabilitation units the following hospitals.

Services for TIAs/ Mini Strokes

The VHK and QMH sites provide rapid access, one-stop TIA/stroke clinics for all Fife patients with transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) – mini strokes – minor strokes and conditions which mimic these. Patients are referred to the TIA clinics through their GP or via an emergency department attendance

Inpatients that have had a TIA will see a stroke consultant during their stay and the necessary investigations, treatment and follow up will be arranged.