Community Stroke Team

This leaflet tells you about the Community Stroke Team (CST).

Monday to Friday 08:30am-05:00pm
Telephone: 01429 522500

What is the Community Stroke Team?

The Community Stroke Team help and support the rehabilitation (recovering and adjusting to life) of people who have had a stroke, in the first few weeks and months after they leave hospital.  They also help and support families and carers.

The CST includes:

• Physiotherapist (a healthcare professional who specialises in the movement of the body).
• Occupational Therapist (a healthcare professional who specialises in trying to make normal every day tasks easier).
• Speech and Language Therapist (a healthcare professional who specialises in speech and language).
• Psychologist (a healthcare professional who specialises in understanding how people think, feel and behave).
• Dietitian (a healthcare professional who specialises in giving people advice about the food they should eat).
• Specialist Stroke Nurse (a nurse who specialises in stroke care).
• Specialist Therapy Assistant (someone who supports the CST team and patients with therapy programmes).

The Team works closely with your Doctors and other people involved in your care, including Social Services. However, if you have any medical questions please contact your GP.

When will I see the CST?

A member of the Team will contact you within a few days of you leaving hospital.  The Team will know about your stroke and the therapy you have been doing in hospital.  The CST will plan with you how to carry on with your rehabilitation. 

Together, and with the help of your relatives or carers we will work on the things that are important to help you get on with your life again.

What kind of things will I be doing?

Everyone’s needs are different after a stroke. 

You may need help with:

• Mobility (how you move about)
• Washing
• Dressing
• Eating
• Communication (speech)
• Getting your confidence back.

You may want help to make lifestyle changes, for example, changing your diet or stopping smoking.

Some people need a lot of help with rehabilitation, some need very little.

Where will I have my rehabilitation?

Your rehabilitation will be in the best place for you.  This may be in your own home, or as an outpatient at your local hospital.  If you live in a residential or nursing home your therapy can usually take place there. North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust’s Smoke Free policy states that all staff working in the community should be able to carry out their duties in a smoke free environment.  We request you do not smoke when CST staff are visiting your home.

How often will I have my rehabilitation therapy?

You may have therapy 1 – 2 times a week, if needed.  This will become less as you adjust to living life after your stroke.

Your Therapist will ask you to practise some things in your own time; practising between sessions will help your progress.

How long will the CST be involved in my care?

The Team may be involved for just a single visit, or for several weeks or months. This depends on what you need, everyone is different. 

How much progress will I make?

This will vary from person to person.

What happens when the CST are no longer involved in my care?

The Team will encourage you to do things you enjoy on your own or with relatives, friends and carers. The Team can put you in touch with a range of groups or activities.  Doing the things you like and which are important to you, can make a big difference to how you feel.

What if I have any worries or concerns?

Your CST Therapist will be happy to try and answer your questions.

However, should you become unwell, please contact your GP as first point of contact

Contact numbers

North Tees Community Stroke Team

Everley House
University Hospital of North Tees
Stockton-on-Tees
TS19 8PE
Telephone: 01429 522500
Monday – Friday, 8.30am – 5.00pm

Hartlepool Community Stroke Team

Ward 1
University Hospital of Hartlepool
Holdforth Road
Hartlepool
TS24 9AH
Telephone: 01429 522500
Monday – Friday, 8.30am – 5.00pm

Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints

Patient Experience Team (PET)

We are continually trying to improve the services we provide. We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve, that’s why the Patient Experience Team (PET) is here to help. Our Patient Experience Team is here to try to resolve your concerns as quickly as possible. The office is based on the ground floor at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. If you would like to contact or request a copy of our PET leaflet, please contact:

Telephone: 01642 624719

Freephone: 0800 092 0084

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm

Email: [email protected]

Out of hours

Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard who will bleep the appropriate person.

Telephone: 01642 617617

Data protection and use of patient information

The Trust has developed Data Protection policies in accordance with Data Protection Legislation (UK General Data Protection Regulations and Data Protection Act 2018) and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. All of our staff respect these policies and confidentiality is adhered to at all times. If you require further information on how we process your information please see our Privacy Notices.

Telephone: 01642 383551

Email: [email protected]

Leaflet feedback

This leaflet has been produced in partnership with patients and carers. All patient leaflets are regularly reviewed, and any suggestions you have as to how it may be improved are extremely valuable. Please write to the Clinical Governance team, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, University Hospital of North Tees, TS19 8PE or:

Email: [email protected]