Rapid Access TIA Clinic - Royal North Shore Hospital

The Rapid Access TIA Clinic provides assessment and treatment for people who experience symptoms of stroke such as face weakness, arm or leg weakness, sensory changes to face, arm or leg such as loss of feeling, numbness and tingling, vision changes and difficulty with speech.

We offer rapid access to a range of tests and treatments for patients with TIA who have presented to an Emergency Department of NSLHD.

The TIA Clinic provides access to all tests to deliver a complete treatment plan in one visit. The clinic is an alternative to an inpatient admission.

All eligible patients will recieve a clinical assessment and fasting bloods to review risk factors of cholesterol and diabities. The tests that will be considered are a MRI of the brain, carotid artery ultrasound, heart ultrasound (echocardiogram), ambulatory ECG.

The TIA Clinic works in partnership with RNSH Radiology Department, RNSH Cardiology Department and NSW Health Pathology. The clinic offers comprehensive assessment and treatment of vascular risk factors in collaboration with the Diabetes Clinic, Hypetension Clinic and Nutrition Clinic. We are able to refer to other specialties as required for ongoing management.

• Images / Scans
• Blood Results
• Test Results
• List of current medications
• Referral
• Glasses
• Hearing Aids
• Food is asked to come fasting for bloods
• One support person if desired

Patients presenting with acute symptoms of stroke (TIA) that have resolved who have presented to an Emergency Department and reside within NSLHD catchment will be given priority.

Referrals received directly from GP's or other LHD's will be considered and triaged accordingly.

TIA referrals must be made on the day of first presentation to facilitate timely access to the clinic.

• GP referral
• Medical referral

All patients require a GP referral even if they have been seen in ED, clearly outlining the reason for referral, listing relevant medication history, previous investigations and current medications list to ensure communication of patient management in the community.