STROKE patients will receive faster treatment and have better recovery outcomes following the launch of the NSW Stroke Reperfusion Program.
The program is designed to see stroke patients receive targeted care faster from the onset of symptoms.
Health Minister Jillian Skinner said stroke was Australia's second greatest killer after heart disease and left many people with a disability.
"It's clear that time plays a major role when it comes to treatment and recovery for stroke patients," Mrs Skinner said.
Although death and disability can be reduced by early administration of thrombolytic therapy, which helps to break up or dissolve blood clots, studies show only three per cent of ischaemic stroke patients receive treatment within appropriate timeframes.
Under the NSW Stroke Reperfusion Program — which is being rolled out across 20 hospitals — patients will:
■ be identified within three hours of the first symptom by paramedics using the internationally recognised validated FAST (Face, Arm, Speech, Time) protocol.
■ Be transported to the closest 24/7 NSW Acute Stroke Thrombolysis Centre.
■ Be assessed rapidly within the emergency department.
■ Receive rapid brain imaging, investigations, neurology review and, if suitable, medication to dissolve blood clots.
■ Be less likely to suffer any long-term disability as a result of their stroke.
As part of the program, all NSW paramedics are undergoing advanced stroke recognition training. Paramedics will transport suspected stroke patients to one of the 20 hospitals identified as having reperfusion expertise.
Details: www.aci.health.nsw.gov.au.
