Looking ahead to another 25 years supporting stroke survivors in Western Australia
October 21, 2021
Stroke Foundation is marking a major milestone with a vow to continue fighting for the best treatment and care for Western Australians living with the impacts of stroke.
This month marks Stroke Foundation’s 25-year anniversary. The not-for-profit is the only national organisation focused on stroke prevention, treatment, and recovery for all Australians.
This is critical in a state with so many remote towns and where getting help quickly can be severely hindered by distance. More than 800 people died in Western Australia last year and 43,000 people are living with the impact of stroke.
Stroke Foundation’s State Manager for Western Australia, Luke Hays, says that is why the organisation works hard to advocate for specialist stroke services.
“We would like to see more dedicated stoke units established across the state’s health facilities and a greater focus on improving the quality of care. That way more people will have their stroke emergency treated as quickly and effectively as possible, which will save lives and reduce the chance of permanent, severe disability for many stroke patients.”
Mr Hays says it is important for all Australians to learn the F.A.S.T message to help recognise 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 is critical. If you see any of these signs call triple zero (000) straight away
Mr Hays says a highlight of Stroke Foundation’s first 25 years has been the establishment of the free national phone service StrokeLine. This is not an emergency service but a support line which offers practical and confidential advice and can be a lifeline for people living in our most remote communities.
“But there is always more we could be doing, so our next 25 years at Stroke Foundation will be focused on championing new avenues in prevention, treatment, and recovery to make the future brighter and help people with stroke live well.”
This month marks Stroke Foundation’s 25-year anniversary. The not-for-profit is the only national organisation focused on stroke prevention, treatment, and recovery for all Australians.
This is critical in a state with so many remote towns and where getting help quickly can be severely hindered by distance. More than 800 people died in Western Australia last year and 43,000 people are living with the impact of stroke.
Stroke Foundation’s State Manager for Western Australia, Luke Hays, says that is why the organisation works hard to advocate for specialist stroke services.
“We would like to see more dedicated stoke units established across the state’s health facilities and a greater focus on improving the quality of care. That way more people will have their stroke emergency treated as quickly and effectively as possible, which will save lives and reduce the chance of permanent, severe disability for many stroke patients.”
Mr Hays says it is important for all Australians to learn the F.A.S.T message to help recognise 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 is critical. If you see any of these signs call triple zero (000) straight away
Mr Hays says a highlight of Stroke Foundation’s first 25 years has been the establishment of the free national phone service StrokeLine. This is not an emergency service but a support line which offers practical and confidential advice and can be a lifeline for people living in our most remote communities.
“But there is always more we could be doing, so our next 25 years at Stroke Foundation will be focused on championing new avenues in prevention, treatment, and recovery to make the future brighter and help people with stroke live well.”