Improved stroke care for Peel and Mehi

Stroke patients across the North West will have access to better care with the opening of dedicated stroke services based at Tamworth Hospital.

The establishment of the dedicated Tamworth-based stroke service is one of seven to be established in regional NSW as part of the Rural Stroke Project.

In 2007/08, Hunter New England Health has received $232,000 recurrent funding for Tamworth and Armidale based-services.

This investment has allowed for the employment of full-time Stroke Care Co-ordinator Rachel Peake who will implement strategies to improve care across the Peel and Mehi Clusters, which take in communities such as Boggabilla, Narrabri, Nundle and Manilla.

Rachel will be responsible for linking stroke services together to ensure seamless treatment and care for the patient.

“We’ve identified there are some challenges facing stroke services in the Peel and Mehi Clusters,” Rachel said.

“Stroke patients have diverse needs and require access to clinical specialists who have expertise in stroke care.

“The patient road to recovery is aided by clinical guidelines to assist the initial affects of stroke and a patient’s transfer to appropriate care. The development of such ‘pathways’ will benefit both the patient and the staff,” Rachel said.

“There is also a need for education and support for both clinicians and people with stroke across the clusters,” she said.

Stroke is the second largest killer in Australia and one of the leading causes of disability among adults. More than 53,000 strokes occur in Australia each year – one every 10 minutes.

“Thanks to the Rural Stroke project and the development of appropriate resources we can now start looking at those issues to enhance stroke care.

“This is an exciting enhancement which will provide significant benefits for people with stroke in North West NSW,” she said.

Stroke services will also be established in Bathurst, Orange, Dubbo, Port Macquarie, Wagga Wagga and Shoalhaven.

Media Enquiries: Emma Gibbs on 6767 7137 or 0428 114 767 Ref: HNE-1292

Contact: Emma Gibbs

Phone: (02) 6767 7137