The Dorset stroke and neuro service (west) is an integrated community rehabilitation team, that specialises in rehabilitation and support following a stroke or neurological illness or injury.

It is delivered by a multi-disciplinary team with knowledge, skills and experience in managing stroke and neurological conditions. The team consists of nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, a clinical psychologist, rehabilitation assistants and stroke and neuro navigators.

We do not have a doctor within the team, but will liaise with your GP and specialists to help manage your care.

We aim to be one point of contact for all needs related to stroke and neuro conditions. We offer services tailored to individual needs, which may include:

  • signposting and support
  • supporting the transition from hospital
  • specialist rehabilitation: at home, in groups - in a gym or a pool or using technology
  • assessment and reviews, including six-month stroke reviews
  • complex condition management (including spasticity)
  • vocational rehabilitation (return to work)
  • return to driving.

How the team can help you

After a stroke or neurological condition, everyday tasks can feel more difficult. Our specialist occupational therapist is here to help you regain independence and confidence in your daily life.

We support patients with:

  • personal care activities like washing, dressing and grooming
  • household tasks such as cooking, cleaning and shopping
  • returning to work, hobbies or social activities
  • adapting their environment with equipment or strategies to make life easier
  • managing fatigue, memory and concentration challenges.

Your therapist will work with you to understand your goals and create a personalised plan that fits your lifestyle. Therapy may include practical advice, rehabilitation exercises, and support for you and your family or carers.

We also work closely with other members of your healthcare team to ensure your care is co-ordinated and focused on what matters most to you.

Our aim is to help you live as independently and fully as possible, in a way that’s meaningful to you.

Here are some of the things occupational therapists in the team can help you with:

Fatigue management 

We will help to provide education and strategies to aid management of neurological fatigue. This may include energy conservation, pacing, planning and prioritising. We will help you to explore the activities that improve your symptoms – we can offer 1:1 or group sessions for this.

Find out more: Lift up your everyday - managing energy | RCOT

Cognitive rehabilitation

Cognition includes attention, information processing, memory, executive functions – our cognition is often impacted by a neurological impairment such as a stroke or brain injury – we can help to assess your individual cognitive challenges and help to formulate ongoing strategies and tasks to help manage and improve these symptoms. This will often link to your ability to perform activities that are important to you such as your ability to drive, and return to higher level tasks such as work.

Find out more: Problems with memory and thinking (cognitive problems) | Stroke Association

Exercise to improve functional ability

We would explore jointly your physical challenges such as upper limb recovery, mobility and balance to establish an appropriate exercise programme that links to your functional goal. This may be completed jointly with a physiotherapist or rehab assistant, and can include access to group programmes.

Vocational rehabilitation

We understand that returning to your vocational goals is important to you and your family. It can include conversations and assessments of your ability to return to work and exploring your abilities to help generate a clear and supported plan. It can also include supported conversations with your employer, and sometimes links to external vocational rehab services.

Financial support can be sourced from your local Citizens Advice team for which we can provide information.

Driving 

The DVLA has specific guidelines for which we adhere to following a neurological condition. We can help you to understand this in relation to you individually. It is important that you are supported to understand you physical, cognitive and visual needs, and how this could impact driving. Occupational therapists can help to assess these areas.

Find out more: Medical conditions, disabilities and driving: Telling DVLA about a medical condition or disability - GOV.UK

Vision

Occupational therapists can help to assess your visual acuity, visual perception, visual field and oculomotor skills. We can provide assessment, visual rehabilitation and refer to other health care professionals such as orthoptist.

Find out more: vision problems after stroke guide

Mood

We recognise that the adjustment following a neurological impairment can result in alterations of mood. We provide advice and support throughout your journey, which may include referrals to external resources.

Find out more:

If you or a loved one has experienced a stroke or another neurological condition, our specialist physiotherapist is here to support your recovery.

We focus on helping you:

  • improve movement and balance
  • regain strength and co-ordination
  • increase independence in everyday activities
  • prevent complications and promote long-term wellbeing

Your physiotherapist will work with you to create a personalised rehabilitation plan based on your goals and needs. Therapy may include guided exercises, mobility training and support with walking aids or equipment.

We also work closely with other healthcare professionals to ensure your care is joined-up and tailored to your journey.

Our aim is to help you feel confident, safe and supported as you rebuild your independence.

Here are some of the things physiotherapists in the team can help you with:

  • Individualised assessment
  • Personalised treatment plan to address your physical goals:
    • planning your rehabilitation around what matters to you
    • rehabilitation support from the multi-disciplinary team depending on need
    • scheduled appointments
    • clear communication
    • liaising with other professionals, as appropriate, with your consent.

This may include:

  • Exercise programmes to target both specific impairment (using a Hi Reps approach) and functional exercise, which may include practicing tasks and activities of daily living, including gait rehabilitation and more generalised programmes to address balance and general fitness.
    Find out more:
  • ​​​​​​Using technology to assist your exercise ability, for example electrical stimulation to help muscle activity
  • Spasticity and posture management – a stroke can damage the way the nerves control your muscles. This can lead to muscles contracting for long periods or going into spasm, known as spasticity or hypertonia. Spasticity affects around a quarter of stroke survivors. Sometimes spasticity can cause a permanent shortening of the muscles, known as a contracture. If this happens, it can mean that the joint cannot be fully bent or straightened, and the muscles cannot be stretched to their full length. We will work with you to manage tone and contractures via positioning, exercises, electrical stimulation and possible medication management.
  • Pain management – pain is a common problem after stroke. It can happen soon after a stroke or it may develop later on. You may have muscle and joint pain, headaches or painful sensations like pins and needles.
    Find out more: Pain after stroke | Stroke Association
  • Cardiovascular fitness – supporting secondary prevention and healthy lifestyles

    Find out more:
  • getting active after stroke guide
  • https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTwpi6BHSU5ACN9EdEmGpyA

Where will physiotherapy take place?

  • Home, self-directed or face-to-face
  • Outpatient clinics
  • Virtual appointments and use of apps
  • Community venues for examples, gyms and swimming pools
  • Groups

What do we expect from you?

  • Being ready for appointments
  • Completing your exercise programmes and other advice
  • Communicating any changes or concerns

If you or someone you care for has had a stroke or has a neurological condition, you may notice changes in communication or swallowing. Our specialist speech and language therapist is here to help.

We support patients with:

  • speaking clearly and confidently
  • understanding and using language
  • reading and writing
  • safe eating, drinking and swallowing.

Your therapist will work with you to understand your specific needs and create a personalised therapy plan. This may include exercises, strategies and support for you and your family or carers.

We also work closely with other professionals to make sure your care is joined-up and focused on what matters most to you.

Our goal is to help you communicate effectively and eat and drink safely, so you can feel more confident and independent in everyday life.

Find out more: Speech and language therapy (adults) 

Recovering from a stroke or neurological condition can affect not just your body, but also your thoughts, emotions and confidence. Our specialist clinical psychologist is here to support your emotional wellbeing throughout your recovery.

We help patients with:

  • understanding and managing feelings such as anxiety, low mood, or frustration
  • adjusting to changes in health, identity and independence
  • improving memory, attention and thinking skills
  • building confidence and coping strategies
  • supporting families and carers with emotional adjustment

Your psychologist will work with you to explore your experiences and develop personalised strategies to help you feel more in control. Support may include talking therapies, practical tools and guidance tailored to your needs.

We also work closely with other members of your healthcare team to ensure your care is holistic and focused on what matters most to you.

Our aim is to help you feel emotionally supported, resilient, and empowered as you move forward in your recovery.

If you are struggling to cope or feel yourself nearing a breakdown Access Mental Health is here to provide help:  

  • Connection – a 24/7 helpline open to all ages. Dorset residents or people visiting Dorset can call 0800 6520190 or NHS 111 for free
  • The Retreat – working in partnership with Dorset Mental Health Forum providing a safe space for anyone aged 18 or above to seek face-to-face help and support from registered mental health practitioners and peer specialists with lived experience. The site in Bournemouth and Weymouth are open every day, 4.30-11.30pm – no need to call ahead, just drop-in
  • Community Front Rooms – open to anyone aged 18 or above Thursday-Sunday, 2.15-9.45pm in Bridport, Shaftesbury and Dorchester – no need to call ahead, just drop-in. They provide a welcoming, safe space where you can discuss problems, and work towards possible solutions alongside mental health support workers. 
  • For more details about Dorset HealthCare direct access services and to check accessibility please visit our Access Mental Health pages

Other places you can get immediate help:

  • Samaritans are available 24/7 on free phone 116 123
  • Text SHOUT to 85258 to communicate to someone via text message
  • You may wish to download an app called distrACT which can help with thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

Our stroke and neuro specialist nurses provide expert care and support to help you manage your recovery at home after a stroke or neurological condition.

We support patients with:

  • monitoring symptoms and recovery progress
  • managing medications and understanding treatment plans
  • providing advice on lifestyle changes and self-care
  • helping prevent complications and hospital readmissions
  • co-ordinating care with your GP and other health professionals.

Your nurse will visit you at home or speak with you by phone to offer personalised advice and reassurance. We aim to make sure you feel safe, informed and supported throughout your recovery.

We also work closely with other members of your healthcare team to ensure your care is joined-up and tailored to your needs.

Our goal is to help you feel confident in managing your health and to support your independence at home.

Navigating life after a stroke or neurological condition can feel overwhelming. Our stroke and neuro navigators are here to guide and support you throughout your recovery journey in the community.

We help patients with:

  • understanding your care plan and what to expect
  • connecting you with the right services and support
  • answering questions and providing reassurance
  • helping you access rehabilitation, benefits and community resources
  • supporting you and your family to feel confident and informed.

Your navigator is a key point of contact who works closely with you and your healthcare team to make sure your care is joined-up and tailored to your needs.

Our aim is to help you feel supported, empowered and confident as you move forward in your recovery.

Here are some of the things stroke and neuro navigators can help you with:

Post-discharge care and needs assessment
Upon hospital discharge, clients receive a telephone call to assess overall wellbeing and requirements.

This assessment covers:

  • daily living: ensuring there are no issues with eating, drinking, swallowing, meal preparation or shopping, and confirming that appropriate support or care packages are in place
  • health management: checking for any issues related to medication, mobility and continence
  • emotional wellbeing: discussing mood and, when appropriate, providing referrals to mental health services such as Steps2Wellbeing, Community Mental Health Teams (CMHT), psychologists or mindfulness groups
  • clinical co-ordination: facilitating referrals back to the specialist therapists within the Dorset stroke and neuro team as needed and ensuring timely access to the six-week and six-month clinical reviews.

Community integration and social support
We assist clients in reintegrating into their local communities and fostering social connections – we can help with:

  • community access: providing information and support to access local clubs and activities, including art and craft groups, the Women’s Institute, u3a, gardening clubs, coffee mornings and luncheon/day services
  • "Next Steps" group: running a dedicated support group facilitated by our navigators, offering guidance, peer support opportunities and educational sessions from guest speakers.
  • loneliness and befriending: organising stroke and neuro coffee mornings, sourcing befriending services, and facilitating peer-to-peer phone calls and online support groups via agencies such as the Stroke Association, Different Strokes and FND Friends

Practical assistance and lifestyle management
Our team provides practical assistance and information to enhance independence and quality of life and can help with:

  • lifestyle advice: offering guidance on post-stroke lifestyle adjustments (smoking cessation, alcohol use, weight loss) and referring to specialist agencies such as Live Well Dorset, Exercise by Prescription and Active4Dorset
  • transport solutions: ensuring awareness of local transport options, helping to source community and accessible transport, and assisting with applications for bus passes and blue badges
  • housing support: providing referrals to relevant housing agencies, liaising with housing associations, and assisting with application/bidding systems
  • financial and benefits advice: assisting with form filling for benefits such as Attendance Allowance (available six months post-stroke) and referring clients to specialist organisations like Age UK, Citizens Advice, Department for Work and Pensions, and local council tax services for other benefits (e.g., PIP).

Carer and home support services
We recognise the vital role of carers and offer dedicated support:

  • carer assistance: referring carers to support services and online resources, assisting with GP registration as a carer, and helping to register for sitting services
  • assistive technology: providing information on tech such as carelines and referrals to the "Tech Room" at the Greenwood Centre for assistive technology solutions
  • home safety: referring clients to the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service for "Safe and Well" visits, which include home risk assessments, escape plan agreements, and the installation of free smoke, heat, and carbon monoxide detectors.

Please visit our carers information page for help and support. 

Our stroke and neuro rehabilitation assistants work closely with therapists and nurses to support your recovery after a stroke or neurological condition.

We help patients with:

  • practising exercises and therapy activities
  • building confidence with everyday tasks like walking, dressing or using equipment
  • encouraging independence and motivation during rehabilitation
  • providing reassurance and support during appointments or home visits
  • helping you follow your personalised therapy plan.

Rehabilitation assistants are a key part of your care team. They work under the guidance of qualified professionals to make sure your therapy is consistent, supportive and focused on your goals.

Our aim is to help you feel confident and supported as you work towards greater independence and recovery.

What to expect

You should be contacted within 72 hours of the team receiving your referral.

During this call, your goals will be discussed and your needs will be triaged. You’ll be made aware of your estimated start date and any waiting list for the input you require.

There is no time limit for involvement with the service and you can access the service at any time during your recovery/condition.

We offer all patients a six-month stroke review following discharge from hospital. All six-month stroke reviews are completed virtually via video call or telephone.

Contact details

We are open Monday–Saturday, 8am-5pm.

Email: dhc.dorsetstrokeandneuroservice@nhs.net

Telephone: 01305 361200

Key information about this service

If you feel you need an assessment/input from the team you can either:

  • discuss this with your GP/other health professionals involved with your care/health and ask to be referred.
  • self-refer via telephone – call 01305 361200 (Monday-Saturday, 8am-5pm), and ask to discuss a self-referral with the duty clinician (you may have to leave a message and the duty clinician will get back to you.)
  • self-refer using our online form
  • email dhc.dorsetstrokeandneuroservice@nhs.net

Please include information about:

  • the reason for your self-referral to the stroke and neuro service (west) team
  • any significant current, or previous health conditions, including recent surgery or hospital admissions
  • your current level of function? Please include details of abilities or difficulties with transfers (e.g. getting out of bed, standing up from a chair), standing, walking and aids used/required
  • your rehabilitation goals and what matters most to you?
  • any falls you've experience? How many in the last week, month or year? Do you know the reason for your fall(s)?

The demand for our service is high, which means we have a waiting list. The length of time you have to wait will depend on your specific treatment and clinical needs but all referrals are prioritised on an individual basis by experienced clinicians.

What should I do if my situation has changed?

If you feel that you no longer require therapy input, please contact the office on 01305 361200 to update us. This will help to reduce our waiting list and allow us more time to contact those who would most benefit from our input.

If your situation has deteriorated (for example, you are experiencing more frequent falls) please contact the office on 01305 361200 to update us so that your referral can be appropriately triaged. 

What about equipment?

You may prefer to purchase your own aids privately from a local mobility store or the internet rather than waiting for an assessment. If you would like information on how to use a walking aid safely and how to measure the walking aid to ensure it is the correct height for you, please contact the office to request an information sheet. We have information on using walking sticks, crutches, frames and rollators. See the links below for online everyday living aids shops.

Everyday living aids – Parkinson's shop (parkinsons.org.uk)

Mobility Aids for the Elderly & Disabled – Manage At Home

If you need equipment such as grab rails, toilet frames, perching stools, commodes, stand aids or hoists, and do not have rehabilitation goals, then social care occupational therapists would be more suitable to review you. Please contact them on 01202 123654.

If you have been provided with equipment from the NHS previously and find it is broken or worn, or no longer required, please contact Medequip on 01305 235499 to arrange repair or replacement.

Many of our patients do not need regular follow-up appointments with our clinicians. Instead, some patients are offered 'patient initiated follow-up' (PIFU) appointments. This means you can arrange a follow-up appointment as and when you need it.

Your referral will be left open with the service for six months after your last appointment date, after this time you may need a new referral from your GP or health care professional to access the service.

The clinician responsible for your care will tell you what symptoms or complications after treatment to look out for, that would mean you should make an appointment. They will also provide you with the information you need on how to contact the service.