Welcome boost to StrokeLine Outreach program
September 16, 2020
Stroke Foundation has welcomed a funding boost to ensure stroke patients from areas of regional New South Wales (NSW) have access to support services throughout their recovery journey.
The $50,000 grant from Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation (NPCF), will support Stroke Foundation’s StrokeLine Outreach program.
This vital service ensures patients, their families and carers receive the information and support they need after leaving hospital to remain safe at home and continue in their recovery.
Stroke Foundation New South Wales State Manager Rhian Paton-Kelly said the grant would make an enormous difference to stroke survivors in regional NSW as they transitioned to life after stroke, particularly during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
“We know stroke patients are leaving hospital earlier and have limited access to specialist services due to the pandemic,’’ Ms Paton-Kelly said.
“It is crucial that stroke survivors receive the care and support they need throughout every step of their recovery journey, especially upon leaving hospital.
“StrokeLine Outreach will ensure patients continue to be connected to the services and supports they need to live well after stroke.”
Ms Paton-Kelly also emphasised the importance of recognising the signs of stroke and getting to hospital quickly during the current pandemic.
“We know fewer people have been presenting to hospital at the first sign of stroke because they are fearful of contracting coronavirus or over-burdening our doctors and nurses,” she said.
“The reality is stroke does not stop for COVID-19, essential services are still running in our hospitals and every precaution is being taken to protect patients and their families.
“If you delay calling triple zero (000) it could result in a longer hospital stay, serious disability or even death. It is not worth the risk.”
Ms Paton-Kelly urged the people of NSW to think F.A.S.T and ask these questions if you suspect a stroke:
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 triple zero (000) straight away.
Stroke Foundation is one of 13 charities, announced by Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation, that will share in almost $600,000 to enable projects that address specific community hardship as a result of COVID-19.
The $50,000 grant from Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation (NPCF), will support Stroke Foundation’s StrokeLine Outreach program.
This vital service ensures patients, their families and carers receive the information and support they need after leaving hospital to remain safe at home and continue in their recovery.
Stroke Foundation New South Wales State Manager Rhian Paton-Kelly said the grant would make an enormous difference to stroke survivors in regional NSW as they transitioned to life after stroke, particularly during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
“We know stroke patients are leaving hospital earlier and have limited access to specialist services due to the pandemic,’’ Ms Paton-Kelly said.
“It is crucial that stroke survivors receive the care and support they need throughout every step of their recovery journey, especially upon leaving hospital.
“StrokeLine Outreach will ensure patients continue to be connected to the services and supports they need to live well after stroke.”
Ms Paton-Kelly also emphasised the importance of recognising the signs of stroke and getting to hospital quickly during the current pandemic.
“We know fewer people have been presenting to hospital at the first sign of stroke because they are fearful of contracting coronavirus or over-burdening our doctors and nurses,” she said.
“The reality is stroke does not stop for COVID-19, essential services are still running in our hospitals and every precaution is being taken to protect patients and their families.
“If you delay calling triple zero (000) it could result in a longer hospital stay, serious disability or even death. It is not worth the risk.”
Ms Paton-Kelly urged the people of NSW to think F.A.S.T and ask these questions if you suspect a stroke:
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 triple zero (000) straight away.
Stroke Foundation is one of 13 charities, announced by Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation, that will share in almost $600,000 to enable projects that address specific community hardship as a result of COVID-19.