Stroke Foundation has today welcomed a pre-election commitment from ACT Labor and Canberra Liberals to reduce the impact of stroke on the community now and well into the future.
Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Sharon McGowan said the bipartisan support for improved stroke prevention, treatment and care reflected the commitment of both parties to the health and well being of the ACT community.
"Stroke strikes the brain and can change lives in an instant," Ms McGowan said.
"One in four people globally will experience a stroke in their lifetime. It is estimated hundreds of strokes will be experienced by Australian Capital Territory (ACT) residents this year alone.
"Action now can prevent this and empower ACT residents to live well."
Stroke Foundation ACT State Manager Rhian Paton-Kelly said investments in better hospitals and community Walk-in centres were improving health outcomes for ACT residents. There was now an opportunity to strengthen these efforts.
"The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has demonstrated the value of investment in prevention, early detection and intervention. These steps also apply to stroke.
"A better connected health system, with a focus on stroke prevention, detection and intervention, will reap long-term benefits, with a healthier population, reduced hospitalisations and lives saved."
Stroke Foundation ACT Election Platform Stronger together – better connected health care proposed three key actions:
• Continuing the StrokeConnect Follow-Up Service – helping ACT residents to be their happiest and healthiest after stroke.
• Continuing commitment to the Australian Stroke Clinical Registry (AuSCR) and establishing a Community of Practice for stroke – working together towards world-class health care.
• Introducing targeted F.A.S.T. education at Canberra's Walk in Centres to reduce stroke and speed up treatment.
The Canberra Liberals made a commitment to Stroke Foundation's election platform in full if elected.
