Northampton General Hospital became the fourth acute stroke unit in the East Midlands to implement prehospital video triage (PHVT) calling in February. The system allows East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) clinicians to place a video call to their local acute stroke team to discuss a suspected stroke patient and agree a treatment pathway. This exciting treatment option greatly improves the ability to recognise stroke patients before they reach hospital and can significantly improve treatment times and ultimate recovery chances.

In one of the first uses of this system in the county, using video triage allowed a stroke specialist nurse to recognise a potentially fatal basilar artery occlusion, the symptoms for which could have easily been misinterpreted. Video triage ensured this patient was recognised as seriously unwell, directed to Northampton General Hospital where he received immediate and possiibly life-saving treatment. The nurse stated that "The PHVT literally saved this (patient's) life! Being able to see his eyes made all the difference"

Northampton General now joins Nottingham's Queen's Medical Centre, Leicester Royal Infirmary and Lincoln County Hospital in using this technology, with King's Mill, Royal Derby and Chesterfield Royal Hospitals expected to start within the coming weeks.