The Northern Trust provides specialist care and support for people who have had a stroke.
We have dedicated stroke wards at Antrim Area Hospital (12 acute stroke beds) and Causeway Hospital (12 stroke beds).
There are also Stroke Rehabilitation Units at Whiteabbey Hospital and Mid Ulster Hospital.
These units support patients as they recover after a stroke.
Stroke Rehabilitation Unit – What to expect
This short video gives an overview of what patients and their families can expect when attending a Stroke Rehabilitation Unit within the Northern Trust. It explains the support available, the different therapies involved, and how our teams help patients regain independence after a stroke.
The video also highlights what a typical stay may involve and how we support recovery both in hospital and after discharge.
Hospital Stroke Teams
When you are admitted, you will be cared for by a team of different professionals, including:
- Doctors and nurses
- Specialist stroke nurses
- Physiotherapists
- Occupational therapists
- Speech and language therapists
- Dietitians
- Social workers
Staff receive regular training to ensure they provide the most up-to-date stroke care.
After you leave hospital
Most patients are offered a stroke review appointment 6–8 weeks after discharge to check their progress.
Many people will continue to receive support in the community, including:
- GP care
- Treatment room nursing
- Outpatient clinics
- Community nursing
- Speech and language therapy
- Podiatry
- Physiotherapy
- Occupational therapy
- Dietetic support
- Social work services
Emergency stroke treatment
Thrombolysis (clot-busting treatment)
This treatment helps dissolve blood clots and is available for suitable patients who arrive at the Emergency Department within 4.5 to 9 hours of stroke symptoms starting.
The service is available:
- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- At Antrim Area Hospital and Causeway Hospital
A small proportion of patients may be suitable for Thrombectomy (clot retrieval) and will be transferred to the Royal Victoria Hospital for assessment for Thrombectomy. This service presently works between Monday to Sunday, 8:00am to 6:00pm.
Thrombectomy (clot removal)
A small number of patients may be suitable for a procedure to physically remove a clot.
If appropriate, patients are transferred to the Royal Victoria Hospital for assessment.
This service currently runs:
- 7 days a week
- 8:00am – 6:00pm
Community stroke teams
After leaving hospital, rehabilitation can continue at home through one of four Community Stroke Teams:
- East Antrim
- Antrim/Ballymena
- Mid Ulster
- Causeway
These teams provide ongoing support and therapy in the community.
Rapid Access TIA (Mini Stroke) Service
The Trust provides a rapid access service for people who may have had a TIA (mini stroke).
Patients may receive:
- Blood tests
- Brain scans
- Imaging of neck arteries
- Heart tests
If needed, patients may be admitted to hospital or given a clinic appointment.
Referrals can be made by:
- GPs
- Emergency departments
- Hospital doctors
Support groups
Stroke Carer support group
- Meets every 12–14 weeks at Causeway Hospital
- Offers information, advice and peer support
Telephone: 028 7032 7032
Stroke Survivor Support Group
- Meets monthly at Causeway Hospital
- Open to stroke survivors and carers
- Offers information, advice and peer support
Telephone: 028 7032 7032
Research and Development
The Trust is committed to improving stroke care.
A dedicated research nurse works with the stroke team to help develop and improve services for patients. The service also takes part in stroke research studies in the UK and around the world.
Antrim Area Hospital and Causeway Hospital are part of the Stroke Sentinel National Audit Programme (SSNAP), which helps monitor and improve the quality of stroke care.
The Trust works closely with Chest, Heart and Stroke and the Stroke Association. Patients and their families can be referred to these organisations for additional support and advice as part of their care.
How to contact us
East Antrim Community Stroke Team
- Whiteabbey office – Telephone: 028 9055 2495
- Larne Office – Telephone: 028 2826 6182
Antrim/Ballymena Community Stroke Team
- Antrim office – Telephone: 028 9442 6100
- Ballymena Office – Telephone: 028 2563 5678
Mid Ulster Community Stroke Team
- Telephone: 028 7936 6984
Causeway Community Stroke Team
- Telephone: 028 7034 7860