Stroke is a leading cause of disability in Australia, but timely diagnosis and care can improve patient outcomes. This year’s National Stroke Week (7-13 August 2023) provides an opportunity to highlight the way eHealth NSW and other NSW Health organisations are working together to support stroke patients by providing rapid care across the state. eHealth NSW is also helping to raise awareness on how the community can recognise the signs of stroke.
The NSW Telestroke Service
Since it began over 3 years ago, NSW Health’s Telestroke service has provided over 4,000 life-saving consultations to the community.
Launched in 2020 as a partnership between the Prince of Wales Hospital in Sydney, eHealth NSW, Agency for Clinical Innovation, and the Ministry of Health, this service uses video consultation technology to help patients with suspected stroke. Local emergency doctors are connected with a network of specialist stroke doctors to determine the most appropriate treatment for each patient.
The NSW Telestroke Service provides rapid virtual access to specialist diagnosis and treatment planning for patients with a suspected stroke. As the service is virtual, it can reach more patients across the state. According to the Stoke Foundation, 10 of the top 20 stroke incidence hotspots in Australia are located in regional and rural NSW, so access to these areas is crucial.
Recognise the signs
Each year around 19,000 people in NSW have a stroke. The Stroke Foundation advocates the importance of recognising stroke symptoms. Early diagnosis and intervention are key for patients, but everyone can learn how to spot the signs.
The Stroke Foundation encourages recognising signs of stroke with F.A.S.T (Face, Arms, Speech, Time):
- Face: Has their mouth drooped?
- Arms: Can they lift both arms?
- Speech: Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?
- Time: Time is critical, call triple zero (000) straight away.
To find out more about eHealth NSW’s involvement in the NSW Telestroke service, visit the webpage. To learn more about identifying the signs of stroke, visit the Stroke Foundation website.
