Role of the specialist stroke nurse
Specialist stroke nurses play an important role in the care and recovery journey of individuals affected by stroke. Specialist stroke nurses are experienced in providing assessments, triage and support to help ensure stroke patients get the right care as quickly as possible
Specialist stroke nurses play an important role in the care and recovery journey of individuals affected by stroke. Specialist stroke nurses are experienced in providing assessments, triage and support to help ensure stroke patients get the right care as quickly as possible
Assessment and triage
Along with the Stroke Consultant on call specialist stroke nurses are often among the first healthcare professionals to assess a patient suspected of having a stroke. Our responsibilities include:
- Rapid clinical assessment to identify stroke symptoms and severity
- Coordinating urgent investigations, such as brain scans and blood tests
- Triage and prioritisation to ensure patients receive the right care at the right time
Working closely with the wider stroke team, specialist stroke nurses help guide immediate treatment decisions, such as thrombolysis or thrombectomy eligibility, which can significantly impact outcomes.
Support and care coordination
Beyond the acute phase, specialist stroke nurses continue to support patients and their families through every step of the recovery process by:
Providing education about stroke and secondary prevention, explaining what has happened and what to expect during a hospital admission
- Coordinating follow up care
- Offering emotional support and guidance for patients and their families
- Acting as a consistent point of contact throughout the care pathway
Stroke prevention clinics
After a stroke or TIA, preventing another one is really important. That is where our Stroke Secondary prevention Clinics come in. These clinics are run by specialist stroke nurses and focus on helping you stay well long-term.
At these appointments we will:
- Review your test results and treatment plan
- Check your blood pressure, cholesterol and other risk factors
- Talk about lifestyle changes that can help – like stopping smoking, eating well and staying active
- Make sure you’re on the right medication and understand how to take it
- Answer any questions you have about your health moving forward
Need support or have questions?
Specialist stroke nurses know that dealing with a stroke can be overwhelming. If you would like to speak to one of our specialist stroke nurses, have questions about your care or just need someone to talk things through with, please get in touch:
For all inpatient queries:
CNS Alison Ross
CNS Kate Tomkins
Phone 01592-643355 ext 22406 or 29093
Office on Ward 42 Victoria Hospital, available Monday – Friday 08:00am – 17:00pm
For all outpatient queries:
CNS Alison Cassells
Phone 01592-643355 ext 21398
Clinics are held in Ward 8 RADA Unit Victoria Hospital, available Tuesday – Thursday 08:00am – 16:00pm
