More guarantees needed for Australians touched by stroke
May 10, 2018
The Stroke Foundation has welcomed the Federal Government’s 2018 Budget record investment in health, calling for a targeted focus on support for Australians to avoid and recover from stroke.
Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Sharon McGowan said the Government’s commitment to essential services provided reassurance, but for the Australians who will suffer more than 56,000 strokes this year and their families, more was needed.
“It is encouraging to see the Government’s continued commitment to improving the health of Australians through funding to our hospitals, Medicare and pharmaceutical benefits systems,’’ Ms McGowan said.
“These services are at the heart of our health system and all Australians should have confidence in continued access to health care, however it is important to recognise not all access is equal.
“Currently, there is no guarantee all Australians will have access to the best practice stroke care we know saves lives and reduces disability. In fact we know many will not. Regional Australians are among those most impacted.”
Research shows regional Australians were 19 percent more likely to have a stroke than their metropolitan counterparts. Regional Australians are also more likely to die from a stroke or be left with an ongoing disability simply because they do not have access to specialist stroke treatment and care.
“This Budget acknowledges current inequalities within the health system, by increasing focus on improving health services for rural and regional Australians,” Ms McGowan said.
“These are important first steps, but I would implore the Government to take theses further.
“There is an enormous opportunity to improve health services for rural and regional Australia by utilising digital health technologies and establishing a national telehealth network.
“Too many Australians are dying or being left with an ongoing disability as a result of stroke. Patient outcomes vary depending on where you live and your access to time-critical treatment. This needs to change.
“A national telehealth network will remove geographical barriers and improve access to not only time-critical stroke treatment but diagnosis and treatment of other conditions,’’ she said.
Stroke Foundation also welcomed the Federal Governments $154.3 million dollar budget commitment to support Australians to take up healthier and more active lifestyles and the 45 and 65 year check.
Ms McGowan said there was one stroke in Australia every nine minutes, yet up to 80 percent of strokes could be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle.
“Chronic disease is Australia’s biggest health challenge. We must look after ourselves and each other to stay out of hospital, this plan will provide people with some of the tools to do so,’’ she said.
“Regular exercise, healthy eating, and managing blood pressure will go a long way to preventing stroke and reducing the associated spiraling costs to the health system and economy.”
Ms McGowan said it was exciting to see the Government build on its investment in research.
“Australia is home to some of the world’s leading research minds,” she said.
“Research takes time and money. This funding will give our researchers the time and support they need to deliver the next breakthroughs which will benefit Australians for generations to come.”
Ms McGowan said Stroke Foundation looked forward to continuing to work with the Government to deliver Australian families much needed guarantees.
“Today there are more 475,000 Australians living with the effects of stroke, by 2050 this is predicted to increase to one million – we must act now to stem the tide of this preventable and treatable disease,” she said.
For more on the Federal Government Budget
For more on stroke and Stroke Foundation
Stroke Facts
• One stroke every nine minutes in Australia.
• More than 56,000 strokes will be experienced by Australians this year.
• More than 475,000 people in Australia living with the effects of stroke.
• Around 80 percent of strokes can be prevented.
• 65 percent of stroke survivors are left with ongoing disability after their stroke.
• Regional Australians are 19 percent more likely to suffer a stroke than those in metropolitan areas.
• The F.A.S.T test is an easy way to recognise and remember the signs of stroke.
Using the F.A.S.T test involves asking these simple questions:
Face – Check their face. Has their mouth drooped?
Arms – Can they lift both arms
Speech – Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?
Time – Time is critical. If you see any of these signs, call 000 straight away.
Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Sharon McGowan said the Government’s commitment to essential services provided reassurance, but for the Australians who will suffer more than 56,000 strokes this year and their families, more was needed.
“It is encouraging to see the Government’s continued commitment to improving the health of Australians through funding to our hospitals, Medicare and pharmaceutical benefits systems,’’ Ms McGowan said.
“These services are at the heart of our health system and all Australians should have confidence in continued access to health care, however it is important to recognise not all access is equal.
“Currently, there is no guarantee all Australians will have access to the best practice stroke care we know saves lives and reduces disability. In fact we know many will not. Regional Australians are among those most impacted.”
Research shows regional Australians were 19 percent more likely to have a stroke than their metropolitan counterparts. Regional Australians are also more likely to die from a stroke or be left with an ongoing disability simply because they do not have access to specialist stroke treatment and care.
“This Budget acknowledges current inequalities within the health system, by increasing focus on improving health services for rural and regional Australians,” Ms McGowan said.
“These are important first steps, but I would implore the Government to take theses further.
“There is an enormous opportunity to improve health services for rural and regional Australia by utilising digital health technologies and establishing a national telehealth network.
“Too many Australians are dying or being left with an ongoing disability as a result of stroke. Patient outcomes vary depending on where you live and your access to time-critical treatment. This needs to change.
“A national telehealth network will remove geographical barriers and improve access to not only time-critical stroke treatment but diagnosis and treatment of other conditions,’’ she said.
Stroke Foundation also welcomed the Federal Governments $154.3 million dollar budget commitment to support Australians to take up healthier and more active lifestyles and the 45 and 65 year check.
Ms McGowan said there was one stroke in Australia every nine minutes, yet up to 80 percent of strokes could be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle.
“Chronic disease is Australia’s biggest health challenge. We must look after ourselves and each other to stay out of hospital, this plan will provide people with some of the tools to do so,’’ she said.
“Regular exercise, healthy eating, and managing blood pressure will go a long way to preventing stroke and reducing the associated spiraling costs to the health system and economy.”
Ms McGowan said it was exciting to see the Government build on its investment in research.
“Australia is home to some of the world’s leading research minds,” she said.
“Research takes time and money. This funding will give our researchers the time and support they need to deliver the next breakthroughs which will benefit Australians for generations to come.”
Ms McGowan said Stroke Foundation looked forward to continuing to work with the Government to deliver Australian families much needed guarantees.
“Today there are more 475,000 Australians living with the effects of stroke, by 2050 this is predicted to increase to one million – we must act now to stem the tide of this preventable and treatable disease,” she said.
For more on the Federal Government Budget
For more on stroke and Stroke Foundation
Stroke Facts
• One stroke every nine minutes in Australia.
• More than 56,000 strokes will be experienced by Australians this year.
• More than 475,000 people in Australia living with the effects of stroke.
• Around 80 percent of strokes can be prevented.
• 65 percent of stroke survivors are left with ongoing disability after their stroke.
• Regional Australians are 19 percent more likely to suffer a stroke than those in metropolitan areas.
• The F.A.S.T test is an easy way to recognise and remember the signs of stroke.
Using the F.A.S.T test involves asking these simple questions:
Face – Check their face. Has their mouth drooped?
Arms – Can they lift both arms
Speech – Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?
Time – Time is critical. If you see any of these signs, call 000 straight away.