Orange, Shoalhaven and Wagga Wagga hospitals have won a prestigious World Stroke Organization (WSO) Angels Gold Status Award.
The awards are facilitated by the NSW Agency for Clinical Innovation and open to regional hospitals participating in the NSW Realising Improvement in StrokE (RISE) program.
It's the first win for Orange Base Hospital and Shoalhaven District Memorial Hospital and the second for Wagga Wagga Base Hospital.
Key performance indicators of the stroke unit are assessed as part of the initiative. This includes meeting a target of restoring blood-flow to over half of eligible patients within an hour of arrival.
Shoalhaven Stroke Clinical Nurse Co-ordinator, Donna Jay, says achieving WSO Gold Status is a testament to the team and recognises their approach to enhancing stroke care in the local area.
“In regional Australia, we have higher rates of stroke and contend with the challenge of providing access to expert care over long distances,” says Ms Jay.
Fiona Ryan, Stroke Care Co-ordinator is proud that Orange Hospital is being recognised globally for their prioritisation of stroke treatment and care.
“Acting swiftly on the signs of stroke and implementing best practice care requires coordination between ambulance, emergency department, radiology and stroke unit staff, and early access to rehabilitation,” says Ms Ryan.
The lifesaving NSW Telestroke Service connects local doctors to specialist stroke physicians via video consultation. The service is part of a $21.7 million commitment from the State and Federal Governments.
“The service is undoubtedly improving outcomes for stroke patients in our region, giving them a much greater chance of surviving and leading a normal life,” says Ms Jay.
Telestroke is currently offered in thirteen hospitals across NSW, including Shoalhaven, Orange and Wagga Wagga and will expand to up to 23 sites by June 2022.
Learn more about the NSW Telestroke Service.