Vital boost to stroke care
August 19, 2013
Hundreds of thousands of stroke survivors and their families are set to benefit from a vital $50 million boost to stroke care and supports.
The Federal Government made the funding announcement today, saying it had been funded through the increased excise on tobacco recognising stroke as a Priority Health Initiative.
National Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Dr Erin Lalor welcomed the announcement, saying it was an important step forward in tackling Australia’s second biggest killer and a leading cause of disability.
“Today’s announcement recognises the magnitude of the problem the Australian community faces as a result of stroke,’’ Dr Lalor said.
“There are around 420,000 Australians living with the impact of stroke. When you add families and carers to this the size of the stroke affected community is measured in millions.
“As a community, we know it is time for urgent change so that fewer people experience unnecessary suffering from stroke.
“This funding is a vital first, and important step towards that change.
“This boost to stroke care recognises and acknowledges what we know are the gaping holes in Australian stroke care,” she said.
Stroke survivor Adrian O’Malley also welcomed today’s announcement saying it had the potential to transform lives.
“Dealing with the aftermath of stroke in today’s world is a daily battle, with little or no support once you have left hospital,’’ Mr O’Malley said.
“This funding will transform the lives of thousands of people like myself and our families.”
Dr Lalor said today’s announcement would fund key aspects of the Stroke Foundation’s National Action Plan for Stroke, which was developed following extensive consultation with stroke survivors, their carers, families and health professionals.
The National Action Plan for Stroke called on the Government to improve stroke care, reduce death and disability from stroke.
“Stroke patients need and deserve access to the highest quality stroke care and supports to ensure the best possible health outcomes,’’ Dr Lalor said.
Australian Medicare Local Alliance Chair Dr Arn Sprogis said today’s funding announcement will better position Medicare Locals to meet the complex needs of stroke survivors in the community.
“We are looking forward to working with the National Stroke Foundation to ensure this funding impacts positively on the lives of thousands of people affected by stroke in the Australian community,” Dr Sprogis said.
Dr Lalor said the Federal Government’s boost was the first dedicated funding provided to improve stroke care since the Government made stroke a national health priority in 1996.
“I welcome today’s commitment and call on all political parties to honour it, recognising the devastating impact stroke has on our community,’’ she said.
“One in six people will have a stroke in their lifetime, that equates to around one stroke every 10 minutes.
“Thousands are living with the impact of stroke and this funding will go a long way towards improving vital care and support.”
The Federal Government made the funding announcement today, saying it had been funded through the increased excise on tobacco recognising stroke as a Priority Health Initiative.
National Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Dr Erin Lalor welcomed the announcement, saying it was an important step forward in tackling Australia’s second biggest killer and a leading cause of disability.
“Today’s announcement recognises the magnitude of the problem the Australian community faces as a result of stroke,’’ Dr Lalor said.
“There are around 420,000 Australians living with the impact of stroke. When you add families and carers to this the size of the stroke affected community is measured in millions.
“As a community, we know it is time for urgent change so that fewer people experience unnecessary suffering from stroke.
“This funding is a vital first, and important step towards that change.
“This boost to stroke care recognises and acknowledges what we know are the gaping holes in Australian stroke care,” she said.
Stroke survivor Adrian O’Malley also welcomed today’s announcement saying it had the potential to transform lives.
“Dealing with the aftermath of stroke in today’s world is a daily battle, with little or no support once you have left hospital,’’ Mr O’Malley said.
“This funding will transform the lives of thousands of people like myself and our families.”
Dr Lalor said today’s announcement would fund key aspects of the Stroke Foundation’s National Action Plan for Stroke, which was developed following extensive consultation with stroke survivors, their carers, families and health professionals.
The National Action Plan for Stroke called on the Government to improve stroke care, reduce death and disability from stroke.
“Stroke patients need and deserve access to the highest quality stroke care and supports to ensure the best possible health outcomes,’’ Dr Lalor said.
Australian Medicare Local Alliance Chair Dr Arn Sprogis said today’s funding announcement will better position Medicare Locals to meet the complex needs of stroke survivors in the community.
“We are looking forward to working with the National Stroke Foundation to ensure this funding impacts positively on the lives of thousands of people affected by stroke in the Australian community,” Dr Sprogis said.
Dr Lalor said the Federal Government’s boost was the first dedicated funding provided to improve stroke care since the Government made stroke a national health priority in 1996.
“I welcome today’s commitment and call on all political parties to honour it, recognising the devastating impact stroke has on our community,’’ she said.
“One in six people will have a stroke in their lifetime, that equates to around one stroke every 10 minutes.
“Thousands are living with the impact of stroke and this funding will go a long way towards improving vital care and support.”