Funding boost for stroke awareness and support welcomed

THE Stroke Foundation has welcomed the Queensland Government’s $ 17.3 billion budget boost for health, in particular its increased focus on emergency response and upgrading infrastructure outside of the state’s capital.

Stroke Foundation Queensland state manager Andrea Sanders said it was encouraging to see the State Government furthering its commitment to providing the best possible healthcare to Queenslanders.

Ms Sanders said the challenge now was to ensure all Queenslanders were ‘ delivered’ equal access to the firstclass health services they deserve – no matter where they live.

“Brisbane and Gold Coast residents have access to some of the best time critical stroke treatments in the country, however we must ensure these treatments are maximised and Queenslanders living in the rest of the state have the same access.

“Increased investment in rural and regional infrastructure, upgraded regional hospitals, investing in our health professionals and the Queensland Ambulance Service are important steps in ensuring all Queenslanders have access to the health services they need.”

Ms Sanders said more than 10,000 strokes would be experienced by Queenslanders this year.

“Stroke can be treated and it can be beaten but only if patients are able to access world- class stroke treatment fast,’’ she said.

“People living in regional and rural areas are 19 per cent more likely to suffer a stroke than their city counterparts but people living in regional and rural areas are also less likely get access to stroke specialist treatment and care.

“All Queenslanders deserve safe, accessible and quality health services that are responsive to their needs. That is where our attentions must focus.”

Ms Sanders said there was a solution, a statewide F. A. S. T. signs of stroke community education program and Queensland telestroke and endovascular clot retrieval service would save lives, and reduce the burden of disability related to stroke in our community and health system.

“We are leading the way nationally, in improving our health system and services but we have more to do. Stroke Foundation looks forward to continuing to partner with the State Government to deliver first class health services to Queenslanders and their families,’’ she said.

STEPHANIE HOBBS, Public Affairs and Advocacy Co

ordinator , Stroke Foundation.