Central Coast residents have their say on stroke

Central Coast residents are set to have their say on stroke this federal election by attending a public forum in Gosford on Wednesday 1 June.

The Stroke Foundation is hosting the forum, inviting residents to share their views as well as hear from local political candidates on their vision to improve the state of stroke on the coast. 

Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Sharon McGowan encouraged Central Coast locals to come along to ensure their voice is heard in the lead up to the federal election.

“The electorates of Dobell and Robertson are two of the most marginal seats in the country. They are also two of the electorates hardest hit by the burden of stroke,” Ms McGowan explained.

“There were more than 850 strokes in the electorates of Robertson and Dobell last year and tragically more than 210 locals lost their lives to this insidious disease. It is a massive problem for this area.

“This forum is a chance for us to take a bi-partisan approach and look at how we can tackle stroke together. 

“We aim to bring local stroke survivors, their health professionals, neighbours, families and carers together in the same room as local candidates, to share their experience and highlight the issues that really matter to them,” she said.

Ms McGowan said the Stroke Foundation was calling on all sides of politics to commit to taking action on stroke at this year’s election.

“This election presents our major parties with an enormous opportunity to make a difference. Stroke is not a hopeless cause – it is largely preventable and treatable, there are actions we can take now to tackle it,” Ms McGowan said. 

“With targeted investment we can reduce the impact of stroke, improve the quality of care, and give local survivors the support and information they desperately need.

“We’re calling on party leaders to commit to a modest $44 million over four years to deliver targeted stroke programs that will save lives, reduce disability and deliver savings back to the Federal Budget.

“The Central Coast is just one, of many communities right across the country crying out for action on stroke. This election is time to get serious about the nation’s stroke burden. This election it is time for stroke,” she said.

Download the media release here.