Stroke help increased
Stroke survivor Stephen Fullarton was a guest presenter at Bass Coast Health Stroke Study Day in June.
Stephen Fullarton was a guest presenter at a Bass Coast Health (BCH) Stroke Study Day in June.
The study day involved nursing and allied health staff learning about best-practice for stroke.
Stephen, who suffered a haemorrhagic stroke while on his stand-up paddle board at Crazy Birds in 2021, provided staff with insight into his experience, helping them understand what is important for stroke survivors.
BCH said it was working to improve its care for people following a stroke, including rehabilitation and access to specialists.
In April, it announced the Stroke Pathway Project, with staff dedicated to stroke care.
Luke Anstey is in the newly developed role of Bass Coast Health Stroke Coordinator and Associate Professor Dr Barry Rawicki works as a Rehabilitation Physician.
Luke will coordinate best practice stroke care across departments, working closely with each patient's treating team, including A/Prof Rawicki, who will support stroke and general rehabilitation as BCH transitions to providing inpatient care. A/Prof Rawicki will operate a community outpatient clinic each Monday.
"It's exciting to be leading this new service that will give our patients better care and long-term outcomes, especially given the prevalence of stroke in our community. In 2022, approximately 200 people presented to BCH with a stroke or mini-stroke," Luke said.
"Patients can access care in their local community rather than be transferred to Melbourne, as has been the case until now. This new service will allow people who have had a stroke to stay in their community for rehabilitation or return to BCH for rehabilitation after receiving advanced treatment elsewhere."
Staff have been undergoing training, and new equipment and procedures are being introduced across the emergency department, and through inpatients, outpatients and community services.
People wishing to see A/Prof Rawicki for an outpatient appointment can ask their medical practitioner to fax a referral to Rehabilitation Medicine to 03 9102 5307 or email it to Access@basscoasthealth.org.au
READ MORE: Stephen smashes Stroke Foundation challenge
