The Stroke Network improves care for NSW stroke patients by better coordinating stroke services across the state, developing and implementing evidence-based models of care in partnership with other health agencies and LHDs and providing a forum to share available resources and promote expertise.
The network is led by the network manager and supported by three co-chairs (medical, nursing and allied health). These roles form the core of the stroke executive.
Ken Butcher
Medical Co-Chair
Amanda Buzio
Nursing Co-Chair
Clare Kendrick
Allied Health Co-Chair
The network has a strategy and has identified priority areas that are reflected in the working groups' structure. Each group's chair represents the group on the executive. There are specific projects generated in the working groups, some of which require project teams to progress time limited pieces of work.
In addition, there are communities of practice that bring together either groups of clinicians with a common purpose or discipline specific groups to share ideas, identify gaps and new work for the workplan.
Network structure
Our groups and their projects
Data and Benchmarking Working Group
This group leads initiatives to standardise data collection on stroke care in NSW to inform research, benchmarking and quality improvement. Chair sits on the Stroke Network Executive.
Professional Development Working Group
This group facilitates education opportunities for nursing and allied health clinicians working in stroke care. Intermittently, scholarship funding is available for ongoing education of stroke nursing and allied health clinicians. Chair sits on the Stroke Network Executive.
Reperfusion and Telestroke Working Group
This group aims to improve access to thrombolysis and endovascular clot retrieval for suitable patients and improve care for all patients with stroke in the hyperacute care phase. This involves reviewing and developing clinical guidance and care pathways. Chair sits on the Stroke Network Executive.
Medical Leads
This group brings together interested and active stroke medical leads from across NSW to provide updates on network activities and discuss challenges. Chair sits on the Stroke Network Executive.
Metropolitan Clinical Nurse Consultants
A group of clinical nurse consultants involved in stroke care, who meet regularly to receive network updates, promote clinical excellence, improve communication, drive quality improvement and provide peer support. The group aims to enhance the delivery of evidence-based care for people with stroke.
Rural Stroke Network
This is a dedicated group of stroke care coordinators, working to improve stroke care across rural and regional NSW. The group aims to:
- promote equitable access to high-quality stroke services through collaboration, strategic projects and expert advice
- support rural and regional stroke care by fostering peer support, mentorship and education
- actively contribute to research, quality improvement and statewide planning initiatives.
Through strong communication, advocacy, and representation, the Rural Stroke Network ensures rural and regional voices are heard, and communities receive the best, evidence-based stroke care. Chair sits on the Stroke Network Executive.