Bass Coast Health’s (BCH) new stroke service is helping to meet the growing demand for stroke care in the Bass Coast and South Gippsland.
With National Stroke Week from 4-10 August, BCH is helping stroke patients to undertake their rehabilitation at Wonthaggi Hospital, closer to their home and support networks.
A comprehensive service is led by Ella Roos as Stroke Coordinator and Associate Professor Dr Barry Rawicki, Rehabilitation Physician. The new service provides more integrated care, including the calling of ‘Code Stroke’ in the event of a stroke event, prompting a multi-disciplinary response from our expert staff.
Ms Roos said from January to March this year, BCH had double the amount of stroke presentations compared to the same period in 2024 - 46 episodes to 22. While the reason is unknown, the region’s growing population – and ageing population – could be factors.
At the same time, care response times at Wonthaggi Hospital have improved following extensive staff training.
“Our Speech Pathologists have also been training and accrediting Emergency Department staff, enabling emergency staff to assess patients’ swallowing ability after a stroke, rather than wait for a Speech Pathologist,” Ms Roos said.
Stroke patients often receive initial care in metropolitan hospitals before returning to Armitage House rehabilitation service at Wonthaggi Hospital for care provided by a multi-disciplinary team including Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech Pathologists, Social Workers, Dietitians, Nurses and Doctors.
Stroke patient Geoff Chain has been undergoing rehabilitation at Armitage House after two weeks at Monash Health following a stroke.
“It’s re-learning things that you’ve known for 50 years and have lost. I’m progressing slowly but surely, and by listening to the people here, I’ve slowly regained my mobility and I’m looking forward to going home,” he said.
“If it wasn’t for the team here, I wouldn’t be where I am at the moment.”
To learn more about stroke and your risk, go to: https://strokefoundation.org.au/about-stroke