Remember the doctor has to comply with confidentiality and they may not be able to give you all the answers you are looking for unless you are next of kin or they have the permission of the person to discuss their treatment or condition with you. This can be difficult if the person has a communication problem or is confused and is unable to give consent. However most of the stroke team will try to include you as the main carer/ relative in discussions about care in hospital. Try to speak to the senior doctor or senior ward nurse. You may need to make an appointment.

• Ask about the tests and the results of the tests.
• What do the results mean for the person now and for their recovery?
• What is the next stage of treatment?
• What can I do as the carer/relative to help recovery?
• What information do I have as the carer/relative which could be useful for hospital staff to know? Any previous medical conditions or treatments. Persons personal preferences, food likes and dislikes, how active was the person prior to the stroke, their normal sleep pattern, were they confused before the stroke. This could be particularly relevant if the person has speech loss,other communication problems or is confused while in hospital.
• What will the person need while they are in hospital ?(clothes, personal items, toiletries.)
• What are the rules regarding visiting? Many wards have protected times for meals, patients rest periods and therapy time when visiting is not encouraged. There may also be hospital rules about the number of visitors per patient at the bed side and strict rules about what foods can be brought in for patients by carers/ relatives. If in doubt ask.
• How can I contact the medical staff in charge if I have questions? Some wards encourage carers to make appointments via a consultants secretary or may give an email contact. Some wards have specified times usually after case meetings when carers can discuss treatments and future care.

You can print this page if you would like to take these questions with you when you have your appointment on the ward