Tasmanian Budget delivering a better plan for stroke
June 18, 2018
The Stroke Foundation has welcomed the Tasmanian Government’s record $658 million budget boost to health.
Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Sharon McGowan applauded the State Government for making the health of all Tasmanians its top priority, this includes putting measures in place to tackle the state’s stroke burden.
“Delivery of the State Government’s ‘better’ health plan will improve access to stroke treatment and support in Tasmania, so more patients survive, avoid disability and recover,’’ Ms McGowan said.
“Investment in improved infrastructure, emergency response, health professional capacity and management of chronic disease will deliver results. This Budget boost will improve health outcomes for stroke patients across the care continuum.”
Ms McGowan said chronic disease, including stroke, was recognised as Australia’s greatest health challenge.
“Tasmania has the highest incidence of stroke per capita in Australia, this year alone Tasmanians will experience more than 1,500 strokes,’’ she said.
“Currently, Tasmanians are also more likely to die or be left with an ongoing disability from stroke as treatment and care in the state lags behind the rest of Australia. But, it doesn’t have to be this way.
“Stroke can be treated and it can be beaten if patients can access high quality stroke treatment and ongoing support in their recovery – this Budget is an important step forward in improving access to high quality health services for Tasmanians.”
Ms McGowan said it was particularly encouraging to see infrastructure and emergency response investment in the state’s regional and rural areas.
“It is vital all Tasmanians have access to the healthcare they need and deserve,’’ she said.
“This includes time critical stroke treatments we know save lives. Unfortunately, access to these treatments outside of Hobart is limited due to stroke specialists primarily being located in the state’s capital and being available 9am to 5pm on weekdays.
“However, the State Government’s Budget investment provides an important foundation for a state-wide telemedicine network providing emergency treatment for stroke patients and other time-critical conditions 24 hours a day, seven days a week across the state.”
Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Sharon McGowan applauded the State Government for making the health of all Tasmanians its top priority, this includes putting measures in place to tackle the state’s stroke burden.
“Delivery of the State Government’s ‘better’ health plan will improve access to stroke treatment and support in Tasmania, so more patients survive, avoid disability and recover,’’ Ms McGowan said.
“Investment in improved infrastructure, emergency response, health professional capacity and management of chronic disease will deliver results. This Budget boost will improve health outcomes for stroke patients across the care continuum.”
Ms McGowan said chronic disease, including stroke, was recognised as Australia’s greatest health challenge.
“Tasmania has the highest incidence of stroke per capita in Australia, this year alone Tasmanians will experience more than 1,500 strokes,’’ she said.
“Currently, Tasmanians are also more likely to die or be left with an ongoing disability from stroke as treatment and care in the state lags behind the rest of Australia. But, it doesn’t have to be this way.
“Stroke can be treated and it can be beaten if patients can access high quality stroke treatment and ongoing support in their recovery – this Budget is an important step forward in improving access to high quality health services for Tasmanians.”
Ms McGowan said it was particularly encouraging to see infrastructure and emergency response investment in the state’s regional and rural areas.
“It is vital all Tasmanians have access to the healthcare they need and deserve,’’ she said.
“This includes time critical stroke treatments we know save lives. Unfortunately, access to these treatments outside of Hobart is limited due to stroke specialists primarily being located in the state’s capital and being available 9am to 5pm on weekdays.
“However, the State Government’s Budget investment provides an important foundation for a state-wide telemedicine network providing emergency treatment for stroke patients and other time-critical conditions 24 hours a day, seven days a week across the state.”