Major milestone marks anniversary

An incredible 20,000 patients have received lifesaving stroke care over the past decade, thanks to the Victorian Stroke Telemedicine (VST) service, which has recently expanded to two new locations.

Run by Ambulance Victoria (AV) and operating across 20 regional hospitals throughout Victoria and Tasmania, VST allows clinicians to collaborate across organisational boundaries and provide time-critical care locally.

AV’s Gippsland Regional Director Ross Salathiel said the service in Wonthaggi, Bairnsdale, Sale, Traralgon and Warragul plays a vital role in stroke treatment, with more than 700 consultations conducted between July 1, 2022 – March 31, 2023.

“Many rural and regional hospitals do not have a stroke specialist on site or lack around-the-clock access to this type of expertise,” Mr Salathiel said.

“People in these areas are 19 per cent more likely to have a stroke and a poorer outcome, making VST a game-changer in the emergency care of patients.”

AV’s Director of Stroke Services Professor Chris Bladin said every minute matters when suffering a stroke, which is why VST is crucial.

“The world-class service connects patients with expert doctors who provide diagnosis and treatment, enabling them to receive the right care at the right time regardless of their location,” Prof Bladin said.

“With stroke telemedicine, patients are receiving clot-busting drugs an average of 40 minutes earlier and often within an hour of arriving at hospital.”

VST operates in 18 regional Victorian hospitals.

KNOW THE SIGNS OF STROKE (FAST)

• Face: Check their face. Has their mouth drooped?
• Arms: Can they lift both arms?
• Speech: Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?
• Time Is critical: If you see any of these signs call Triple Zero (000) straight away