West Moreton Health has collaborated with key health partners to improve rapid care for stroke patients. 

Working with consumer representatives, Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) and health education provider Angels Initiative, West Moreton Health teams participated in code stroke simulation training at Ipswich Hospital on 9 December. 

Starting in the community, the simulation aimed to identify any potential challenges to providing care for stroke patients on their journey from home to the Ipswich Hospital emergency department.  

West Moreton Health Simulation Educator Zachary Buxton said he was pleased with the success of the simulation. 

“Working with our health partners ensures we have a smooth transition to Ipswich Hospital and our round-the-clock stroke service.  

“Our three consumer representatives who took part in the simulation provided valuable feedback on their treatment, which helps our staff improve performance and optimises stroke care.” 

Taking part in the simulation were three consumers, one who played the role of the stroke patient and two observers; QAS teams; and representatives from West Moreton Health’s stroke, pharmacy, emergency department and medical imaging teams. Also involved were West Moreton’s Digital Health and Patient Safety & Quality teams.  

Stroke Clinical Nurse Consultant Linda Edwards said the simulated patient was treated as any stroke patient would be treated. 

“Our ‘patient’ and observers used GoPros to record the simulation. It helps us improve patient pathways by taking into account door-to-treatment times, emergency department assessment and referral to the stroke service,” Ms Edwards said. 

“Recognising the signs of stroke and getting patients to hospital quickly increases their chances of survival and recovery. It also decreases risk of disability because fast treatment saves brain cells.” 

Observer Faaua Lologa said the simulation would help him educate Pacific Island community members on the importance of sharing a loved one’s medical history in a timely manner. 

“Making sure families have this information to make clinicians’ jobs easier is something I will take back to my people,” he said. 

Ms Edwards said repeating the simulation in 3-6 months’ time would allow the teams to develop an action plan and make inroads to improve processes and treatment times.