Hundreds of survivors of stroke in regional New South Wales will receive additional support to manage their recovery and improve their quality of life as part of the new Stroke Foundation StrokeLine Outreach Service.
The StrokeLine Outreach Service has been established through a $50,000 COVID-19 Community Recovery Grant from Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation and will ensure stroke survivors and their carers are supported to access the information, resources and services to assist them with their recovery.
Stroke Foundation New South Wales State Manager Rhian Paton-Kelly said survivors of stroke will now receive a follow up service after they are discharged from hospital.
"We know the transition from hospital to home can be frustrating, frightening and isolating for many," Ms Paton-Kelly said.
"While a patient may be making advancements in their physical recovery, their mental health is sometimes overlooked or can decline when they have to adapt to living day to day with the effects of stroke.
"Anxiety and depression frequently occur after a stroke while emotional, personality and behavioural changes are also common. This can limit patient recovery and challenge relationships with family and carers, but it does not need to be this way. There is support available, but sometimes you need help finding it."
The service is now underway and will enhance community services in Ballina, Wagga Wagga, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Armidale, Tamworth, Dubbo, Orange, Broken Hill, Shoalhaven, Berry and Lismore.
Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation Chair, Jennifer Leslie said people in regional communities are at greater risk of adverse impacts from stroke if they can't access adequate immediate and follow up care.
"The StrokeLine Outreach Service will help survivors of stroke thrive in their recovery by providing access to the resources and support they need, regardless of their distance from hospital," Jennifer said.
