Team Ward our story

“My husband Stephen was 48 when he had a stroke - I found him on the floor - eyes open, unable to speak. I immediately suspected stroke and dialled 000. The paramedics thought he was too young to have a stroke and took him to the local hospital, which doesn’t have a stroke unit.  After stroke was confirmed, the Westpac Rescue helicopter was organised to take Stephen to a large regional hospital with specialised stroke services, however by the time he arrived he had completely missed the window for thrombolysis. In the days after the stroke he suffered multiple life threatening complications, spending 4 weeks in intensive care, 6 weeks on the stroke ward and another 6 months in rehab. The one thing I always remember is the doctor in charge in ICU saying it took us too long to get to the stroke unit. I remember asking how rural patients were supposed to get to hospital in time.”

Tracy Ward, Denman NSW

Stephen is a very well regarded member and councillor in the Muswellbrook community.

Stephen suffered a stroke when he was 48. Tracy knew the signs of a stroke as she had seen the Stroke Foundation’s ‘fire in the brain’ TVC – Stephen had lost his speech and could not lift his right arm. Tracy called 000 immediately.

The team at Muswellbrook Hospital knew immediately that Stephen had suffered a stroke. The John Hunter Hospital team was accessed via telehealth – but could do nothing but watch. Muswellbrook Hospital does not have a CT machine. During the week patients make use of a private CT accessed, however as it was the weekend the local radiographer was closed.

A helicopter was called to take Stephen to John Hunter Hospital for treatment – however the helicopter was called away to a motorcycle accident so Stephen had to continue to wait. When Stephen finally arrived at John Hunter Hospital, it was too late for time critical treatment.

“What hope did we have,” Tracey says.