A NEW outreach team for stroke victims has been launched at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital.

Comprising specialist nurses and therapists who provide cover seven days a week, it is hoped they will be able to improve response times to patients who have been admitted with a suspected stroke and those who may have suffered one while already in hospital.

The trust says the new team will mean patients will get access to a stroke specialist as soon as they arrive and important initial assessments and investigations can be commenced immediately.

Where necessary treatment can be administered straight away with the patient briefed at every stage of their hospital stay.

The team has been formed following investment by the trust in improving stroke care.

Team leader Katherine Chambers said: “When it comes to stroke, timing is everything. The quicker we can respond the best chance of a good outcome for the patient.

“Our new outreach team means we can support stroke patients and identify their symptoms as soon as they arrive at RBH and where relevant, offer treatment more quickly.

"The new team will also support transfer to the stroke unit as soon as possible which gives patients the best chance of recovery.

"We are focusing on our new admissions via the emergency department but the service will benefit the entire hospital.”

The NHS reminds people to look out for potential stroke victims using the acronym FAST: Face-Arms-Speech-Time.

Symptoms start quickly and can see the face dropping to one side, the victim not being able to lift their arms fully and result in their speech becoming slurred or garbled.

High risk groups include those with diabetes, high blood pressure and the elderly. If you suspect somebody is having a stroke you should dial 999 immediately.