Regional Hyper Acute Stroke Unit (HASU)

Department

Number

Neuro Assessment Unit (NAU) – L Floor

Hyper Acute Stroke Unit (HASU) – L Floor

Entering the Regional Hyper Acute Stroke Unit

Common investigations include:

Leaving the Regional Hyper Acute Stroke Unit

If ambulance staff think you may have had a stroke they will bring you directly onto this ward.  Sometimes they might take you straight to X-ray for a brain scan.

It is likely the first person you will meet will be a Stroke Nurse Practitioner.  They will carry out some assessments and tell you what happens next.

This will include a brain scan, to see if you are suitable for a treatment called Thrombolysis or Thrombectomy.

Thrombolysis is a clot busting drug and can help reduce brain damage. However, only a small number of patients are suitable for this treatment.   You will meet with different members of the team for assessments and may have other investigations.

 Common investigations include:

 CT Brain Scan

 Blood Tests

 Elecrocardiogram (ECG)

 MRI Brain scan

 Caroltid Ultrasound (also called a doppler or duplex scan)

 Angiogram

 Echocardiogram

 You will meet with different members of the team. 

They will start to see how you are moving, speaking, thinking and swallowing. 

 From the very beginning the whole team  will help you with the continuous process of Rehabilitation.

After 72 hours of assessment and treatment patients from outside of Sheffield will return to their local stroke unit if further care is needed.

Some people are able to go home after these investigations.

Some people go home with extra support.

Some people go to the next stage in the Stroke Pathway which is the acute stroke unit.

Stroke Consultants & Hospital Doctors

The doctors are responsible for investigating the cause of your stroke. They will usually arrange for certain tests. They will take a full medical history from you.

Stroke Nurse Practitioners

The Stroke nurses will usually be the first people you meet from the team. They will assess you as soon as you are arrive and provide information and support.

Stroke Nurses and Support Workers on the ward

The nursing staff will monitor you daily. They are there to make sure you are safe and cared for and that you have the support and advice you need.

Pharmacist

The pharmacy team will ensure that any medicines prescribed for you are safe. If you have any concerns or questions about your medication you can ask to talk to a member of the pharmacy team.

Physiotherapist (PT)

Physiotherapy following a stroke begins as soon as possible. It may involve techniques and exercise to improve the control and movement of the body. The aim of treatment is to enable you to become as independent as possible in everyday life. Therapy will be directed towards your own personal goals.

Occupational Therapist (OT)

The Occupational therapist will see how the stroke has affected your ability to carry out and organise everyday activities. They may also look at your thinking skills such as concentration and memory. Therapy will be directed towards your own personal goals.

Speech & Language Therapist (SLT)

A stroke can lead to problems affecting your speaking, understanding, reading & writing. The ability to swallow food and drink may also be affected. You will work with the Speech and Language therapist on any communication and swallowing changes.

Dietitians

You may need to see a dietitian. They can assess your nutritional needs and advise how these should be met.

Orthoptist

Visual problems are common after a stroke and this can affect the rest of your rehabilitation. Orthoptists are eye-care professionals who assess how a stroke has affected your vision.

Psychologist

Many people see a psychologist after having a stroke, which can feel scary at first. Reasons for this might be anxious thoughts and worries, low mood, Intense emotions, changes in cognitive ability or adjusting to life after stroke. The psychologist is there to support you and your loved ones with these changes.