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Medical same day emergency care (MSDEC) referrals to the Stroke/Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA) Team

This page is intended for use by clinicians at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham as a guideline for referring patients to the Stroke/TIA Team.

  • Every patient that has attended with a suspected stroke needs to be seen by the Stroke Team and potentially admitted to Ward 514
  • Patients with suspected TIA need to be seen by the Stroke Team as an inpatient. Do not discharge suspected TIAs to outpatient clinics without discussion or involvement with the Stroke Team
  • Please contact the on-call Stroke Consultant 24/7 (available via switchboard) if you require further support after speaking with the Stroke Nurse Practitioner

How to refer

If you think a patient has had a stroke or a TIA, please refer them to the Stroke Team via the following methods:

Urgent referrals

  • Monday to Sunday (all hours)
  • Complete a PICS referral form (PICS Requests > Stroke Referral UHB)
  • Call the Stroke nurses and inform them of referral (Tel: ext. 15144)

Non-urgent referrals

  • Monday to Sunday (all hours)
  • Complete a PICS referral form (PICS Requests > Stroke Referral UHB)
  • The referral will be actioned within 24 hours, there is no need to routinely call

What to include in the referral

Before making a referral, ensure the following has been completed and documented:

  • Onset/last known well
  • Ongoing neuro deficit at triage (yes/no)
  • Aspirin 300mg stat given (yes/no/contraindicated and reason)
  • Glucose (mmol/L)
  • Blood pressure (mmHg)
  • ECG performed
  • AF/anticoagulation status

How to get in touch

Stroke Nurse Practitioner (24/7)

Stroke Consultant/SpR on-call (24/7)

  • Contactable via Switchboard

Last reviewed: 01 December 2025