Stroke — South Canterbury
A stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA) is a sudden interruption of blood flow to part of the brain, causing it to stop working and, eventually, it damages brain cells. Stroke services works with the person who has a stroke and their carers to provide assessment and treatment in the hospital, at home and in the community.
Video: Know the signs of stroke — think FAST
Watch this video to find out what the signs of stroke are.
Contact us
For non-urgent stroke services in South Canterbury, contact the Assessment, Treatment and Rehabilitation Unit (AT&R) at Timaru Hospital:
- phone: 03 687 2280
- fax: 03 687 2281
Assessment, Treatment and Rehabilitation Unit (AT&R) (internal link)
Where to find us
Stroke services is at:
Timaru Hospital Campus
Queen Street
Parkside
Timaru
Hospital map — Timaru Hospital
Services we provide
A stroke or TIA is also known as a cerebrovascular accident (CVA). The effects can be devastating and may last a lifetime.
Strokes are medical emergencies and is there is any suspicion of someone having a stroke, you should seek urgent assessment in the emergency department.
The stroke service is a multidisciplinary team which includes:
- medical and gerontology consultant doctors
- nurses
- physiotherapists
- occupational therapists
- speech-language therapists
- dietitians
- social workers
- a Needs Assessment and Services Co-ordination (NASC) agency.
Needs assessment service (internal link)
Our team can work with the you and your carers to provide assessment and treatment in the hospital, at home in the community.
Assessment and treatment can take place within the hospital, the emergency department, medical ward, intensive care unit, rehabilitation ward and hospital clinics.
Overall care is coordinated by the stroke clinical nurse specialist who, together with the team, ensures you are referred to the appropriate services.
Referral may be to community organisations such as Stroke Foundation NZ and the community stroke advisor.
You may be considered for 'Home First', a 6-week support and rehabilitation service that is based in the home.
The overall goal for our team is to optimise the management of any disabilities you may have that are caused by stroke and other chronic long term conditions. The team will work closely with your general practitioner.
Transient ischaemic attack (internal link)
Stroke Foundation NZ (external link)
Stroke guidelines for health professionals — Stroke Foundation NZ (external link)