A round-the-clock service at Ipswich Hospital is helping West Moreton stroke patients receive treatment fast.

Stroke Clinical Nurse Consultant Linda Edwards said recognising the signs of stroke and getting patients to hospital quickly, increases chances of survival and recovery.

“Our 24/7 service includes thrombolysis treatment, which can break down and disperse a clot that is preventing blood from reaching the brain and can potentially reduce the severity of the stroke,” she said.

“At any time of day or night, ambulance officers are able to assess whether to bring the patient to Ipswich Hospital for thrombolysis or take them to the Princess Alexandra Hospital for endovascular clot retrieval.”

“It means stroke patients are getting the right care in the right setting at the right time.”

Quilpie resident Brett Hamlyn, 61, returned home to southwest Queensland with his wife Lisa last week after a 3-month recovery at Ipswich Hospital following stroke.  

Mrs Hamlyn said her husband’s recovery had astounded the team.

“Brett was bed-bound and unable to communicate after his stroke but continued to make gains each day through the strict rehabilitation plan that the team of nurses, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and speech therapists at Ipswich Hospital set for him,” Mrs Hamlyn said.

“We thought about returning home to Quilpie for his rehabilitation but, after seeing constant and rapid improvement, we decided Ipswich was the best place for his recovery. Family involvement and support is so important to rehabilitation and leads to improved outcomes for patients.

“At his daily rehabilitation sessions, his physiotherapist taught us strategies that were tailored to Brett’s individual situation for when we transitioned home.”

Clinical Nurse Consultant Ms Edwards said West Moreton Health has a stroke unit within the rehabilitation ward.
 
“It is recognised as gold standard in terms of stroke recovery, as people are getting their acute care and rehabilitation in the same place at the same time,” Ms Edwards said.

“This comes with a number of benefits, including helping to decrease the length of stay, prevents patients from changing wards and provides continuity of care.”

National Stroke Week is 8 – 14 August 2022.

Image: Brett Hamlyn and Peta Dowling, Advanced Rehabilitation Physiotherapist, at Ipswich Hospital

BREAK-OUT

One in four people will have a stroke in their lifetime. Recognising the signs and symptoms of a stroke can help save lives.

The initials to remember are F.A.S.T. They stand for:

• Face (has the patient’s face drooped?)
• Arms (can the patient raise them?)
• Speech (is it slurred or confused?)
• Time (is critical. Call 000 immediately).

To find out more visit https://strokefoundation.org.au/