If you think someone is having a stroke, call an ambulance to get them to hospital FAST.

Recognising a stroke: remember the memory aid FAST

(Image sourced from www.stroke.org.nz) 

At Lakes DHB Emergency Departments, if you are assessed as having had a stroke you will be admitted to the Stroke Unit.

The Stroke Service aims to increase your independence, prevent complications and prevent further strokes. While in the unit, you will be assessed to decide how long you will need to stay for further rehabilitation.

Our service is closely supported by Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists and Speech Language Therapists.

Where to find us: see the Rotorua Hospital map here.

For more information about community support following a stroke, visit The Stroke Foundation

What is a stroke?

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to an area of the brain is interrupted causing damage to brain cells. This happens either with a clot in the blood vessel or the blood vessel bursting. The effects of a stroke depend on where in the brain, and how big, the interruption to blood flow is.