Non-urgent advice: FAST stands for:
Arms – the person may not be able to lift both arms and keep them there because of arm weakness or numbness in one arm
Speech – they might slur their speech or it might be garbled, or the person may not be able to talk at all despite appearing to be awake
Time – it’s time to phone 999 immediately if you see any of these signs or symptoms
A stroke is a serious, life-threatening medical condition. It happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off.
Strokes are a medical emergency and urgent treatment is essential. The sooner a person receives treatment for a stroke, the less damage to the brain is likely to occur.
Even if the symptoms of a stroke go away, you or the person having a stroke should still go to hospital for an assessment.
Below you can find useful information related to a stroke.
Local Stroke Services
Acute Stroke Unit
The Acute Stroke Unit (ASU) is located in ward 3E at Crosshouse Hospital and has 24 beds with daily outpatient clinics.
We offer a flexible approach to visiting, however it is advisable to avoid mornings where possible due to consultant ward rounds. Protected meal times are in place, these are 08:15-09:45, 12:15-13:45 and 17:00-18:30. We recognise these times may not be suitable for everyone. If you prefer to visit out with these times please discuss with the nurse in charge who will be happy to help.
Useful Information
Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland – Scotland’s largest health charity working to help people with chest, heart and stroke conditions live life to the full.
Stroke Association – The Stroke Association supports people to rebuild their lives after stroke.
Different Strokes – Different Strokes promotes independent stroke recovery, so younger stroke survivors can reclaim their lives.