Attend Anywhere

This service offers video consultations using Attend Anywhere. This means your consultation can take place from your own home using a secure website. 

We can provide treatment and support if you have any of these conditions:

The main stroke symptoms can be remembered with the word FAST:

  • Face – the face may have dropped on 1 side, the person may not be able to smile, or their mouth or eye may have drooped.
  • Arms – the person may not be able to lift both arms and keep them there because of weakness or numbness in 1 arm.
  • Speech – their speech may be slurred or garbled, or the person may not be able to talk at all despite appearing to be awake; they may also have problems understanding what you're saying to them.
  • Time – it's time to dial 999 immediately if you notice any of these signs or symptoms.

All potential stroke patients are brought to the Hyper Acute Stroke Unit (HASU) at Cumberland Infirmary for assessment and treatment by our specialist stroke team. The team is made up of consultants, nurses and therapists and they're available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If you’ve been admitted to our unit with a suspected stroke, we’ll do some tests to confirm your diagnosis. These may include:

  • a blood test
  • checking your pulse for an irregular heartbeat
  • taking a blood pressure measurement
  • a CT scan
  • an MRI scan
  • a swallow test          

Further tests on your heart and blood vessels may be done later to confirm what caused your stroke such as:

  • a carotid ultrasound scan - to show if there's narrowing or blockages in the neck arteries leading to your brain
  • an echocardiogram - to check for any heart problems

Your treatment will depend on what caused the stroke but usually includes taking 1 or more different medicines. Some people may also need surgery.

Once you’re stable, we’ll work with you on a rehabilitation programme to help you recover and regain your independence as soon as possible.

If appropriate, you’ll be referred to the Early Supported Stroke Discharge service who will make sure you rehabilitation and treatment continues when you return home.

The maximum amount of time you’re likely to stay on the Hyper Acute Stroke Unit is 72 hours. If you’re unable to return home by then, you’ll either be transferred to a different ward or to West Cumberland Hospital if you live in west Cumbria.

Cumberland Infirmary 

Hyper Acute Stroke Unit and ward Elm A 
Level 2
 

West Cumberland Hospital 

Orugun Unit 
Ward 3