Our specialist stroke teams include stroke physicians, specialist nurses, healthcare assistants, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, speech and language therapists, psychologists, stroke coordinators and rehabilitation teams. We are also supported by dietitians, ophthalmologists and other healthcare professionals. We work closely with adult social care, the Stroke Association and other partner organisations to help ensure you receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time.
Emergency stroke care
From 9 September 2026, emergency stroke care for people across Somerset and parts of Dorset is provided through two specialist Hyperacute Stroke Units (HASUs), available 24 hours a day, seven days a week:
- Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton
- Dorset County Hospital, Dorchester
These units provide rapid assessment, brain imaging, diagnosis and specialist treatment for suspected stroke patients. Evidence shows that receiving specialist stroke care as quickly as possible can improve outcomes and reduce disability following a stroke.
Adults with symptoms of possible stroke are usually taken by ambulance to the nearest Hyperacute Stroke Unit so they can receive urgent specialist assessment and treatment.
A new pre-hospital video triage system is also being used by ambulance clinicians, enabling them to consult stroke specialists while assessing patients. This can help hospital teams prepare for a patient’s arrival and reduce the time taken to diagnose and treat stroke.
Acute stroke care and rehabilitation
Yeovil Hospital continues to provide an Acute Stroke Unit and specialist stroke rehabilitation services. Following emergency care in a Hyperacute Stroke Unit, many patients from south Somerset and neighbouring areas will be transferred to Yeovil Hospital to continue their recovery closer to home when clinically appropriate.
Significant investment has been made across the service, including:
- refurbishment of the stroke unit at Musgrove Park Hospital, providing additional hyperacute stroke beds and enhanced rehabilitation facilities
- creation of a new rehabilitation gym at Yeovil Hospital
- improved therapy facilities and an ‘activities of daily living’ (ADL) flat at Yeovil Hospital, including kitchen, lounge and bathroom areas to support rehabilitation
- refurbishment of the stroke unit at Dorset County Hospital
- recruitment of additional nursing and medical staff across the pathway.
Rehabilitation and recovery
Our rehabilitation services support people throughout their recovery following stroke. Therapy may take place:
- in hospital
- within a community stroke rehabilitation unit
- in your own home through our Early Supported Discharge service
- through community stroke services
- through our Living Well After Stroke service.
Research shows that many people achieve better outcomes when rehabilitation is provided in their own home, so our teams support safe discharge as early as possible wherever appropriate.
Throughout your recovery, we will work with you and your family to identify meaningful goals and develop a rehabilitation plan tailored to your needs. Your progress will be reviewed regularly, focusing on activities that matter most to your daily life and independence.
As you move through different stages of care, our teams work closely together to provide a seamless transition between services and ensure you receive joined-up support.
Life after stroke
Following discharge from hospital, you will receive ongoing support and follow-up care.
Patients are usually offered a stroke follow-up review approximately four to six weeks after discharge, with additional reviews and support available as required. Longer-term support focuses on helping people live well after stroke, access community services, stay active and reduce the risk of further strokes.
Working together across Somerset and Dorset
The new stroke pathway has been developed collaboratively by Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust, NHS Somerset and NHS Dorset. The organisations continue to work closely together to ensure patients receive safe, high-quality and joined-up stroke care across the region.
How to refer
All admissions to acute hospitals are via Somerset NHS Foundation Trust ED departments. For referral to community services please email somersetesd@somersetft.nhs.uk to request a referral form.