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A new video assessment service is changing how stroke symptoms are handled in the East Midlands, helping patients access specialist care faster and easing demand on busy emergency departments.
East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) crews can now link directly with stroke specialists via live video call while on scene. This enables them to make faster, more accurate decisions about where a patient should go, ensuring they’re taken to the right hospital the first time.
Because every minute counts when treating a stroke, the system is helping crews take patients straight to specialist units, rather than stopping at A&E first. Hospitals can also prepare scanning and treatment teams in advance, saving critical time once the patient arrives.
The technology is proving valuable for patients who turn out not to have had a stroke too. Conditions like Bell’s palsy, migraines and transient ischaemic attacks (TIAs) can mimic stroke symptoms, but don’t always need to be seen in a specialist centre. Video triage means these patients can be directed to the most appropriate place for their care, whether that’s A&E, a GP or community service.
“Video triage helps our staff make informed decisions for patients and ensures those who need specialist stroke care get it sooner. For others, it means better management through community or urgent care services, reducing pressure on hospitals.”
Mark Dixon, Divisional Senior Manager for Quality, EMAS.
Initially launched in Leicestershire, the partnership between EMAS and the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust is now being expanded into Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire.
Since going live, 318 patients have been assessed via video call (as of September 2025). Around 20% were found not to have had a stroke, avoiding unnecessary trips to hospital and freeing up specialist teams to focus on confirmed cases.
“Pre-hospital video triage is improving our crews’ ability to support patients by giving them direct access to stroke specialists. It means faster access to the right treatment and more learning opportunities for our teams.”
John McKenzie, Clinical Improvement Manager, EMAS.
The project was developed with support from NHS England and the East Midlands Integrated Stroke Delivery Network (ISDN), which secured £150,000 to launch and expand the pilot across the region.
Sarah Adderley, Associate Director for the Midlands at the Stroke Association, welcomed the initiative. She said:
“We hope innovations like this will improve outcomes for the 90,000 people who survive a stroke each year in the UK. Stroke is a medical emergency – every minute counts, and faster access to treatment can make a life-changing difference.”
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