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Partnership improves after-stroke care in Wheatbelt 04 September 2018 People in the Wheatbelt are set to receive improved support after suffering a stroke thanks to an integrated service run between the WA Country Health Service (WACHS) and the Neurological Council of WA (NCWA). WACHS Wheatbelt Integrated Strokes Services Coordinator Di Hull said the key to improving post-stroke support for country people was easy access to advice and collaboration between service providers. Ms Hull said the partnership between the two organisations meant that every stroke patient who returns to the Wheatbelt after acute stroke care in Perth is referred to her. She then coordinates their care needs – regardless of which organisation is delivering the service. “The partnership between the two services has been in development since 2016 and ensures stroke survivors can access the right services and expertise at the right time,” Ms Hull said. “Clients ...
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Rehabilitation using telehealth helps get local stroke patient walking again 04 September 2018 Geraldton woman Janet Cozens had a stroke in June and thanks to telehealth technology, was able to undergo her rehabilitation locally rather than being transferred to Perth. Using telehealth, Ms Cozens’ local rehabilitation team worked with a stroke specialist physiotherapist from the stroke rehabilitation unit at Osborne Park Hospital (OPH). OPH therapist Jessica Nolan could watch Ms Cozens’ physiotherapy and support her Geraldton colleagues using a portable videoconferencing unit known as a telecart. Ms Cozens, 76, was also able to be discharged from hospital sooner than normal while she continued rehabilitation by telehealth as an outpatient. With the ongoing therapy, she was walking again within just three weeks of leaving hospital. Ms Cozens said she was grateful to telehealth technology for helping her to go home and giving her mobility back sooner. “After the str... -
Telehealth helps Mt Barker double-stroke patient 04 September 2018 Mt Barker woman Anne Bayldon has survived two rare strokes thanks, in part, to telehealth. A new telecart - located at Albany Health Campus - enabled local clinicians to work side by side with a stroke specialist based at Fiona Stanley Hospital ensuring Ms Bayldon could receive expert treatment faster. According to stroke specialist, Dr Tapuwa Musuka, telehealth technology proved lifesaving. “Ms Bayldon presented to Albany Health Campus with a suspected stroke,” Dr Musuka said. “Albany doctors were able to use the new videoconferencing telecart to let me assess the patient and determine the appropriate course of treatment. “Once I’d dialled in, it was obvious that Ms Bayldon had developed left-sided weakness indicating a second stroke was starting,” he added. Given Ms Bayldon’s acute condition, staff at Albany Health Campus arranged a Royal Flyin... -
Training and partnership saving lives from stroke 04 September 2018 South West stroke survivors have been saved from complications thanks, in part, to a partnership between ambulance officers and local hospitals. St John Ambulance (SJA) officers in the South West have been trained to recognise the symptoms of stroke so that they can call ahead to the Emergency Department (ED) to fast-track life-saving treatment. WACHS–South West Stroke Coordinators Renee Dehring and Michaela Eaton said every moment counted when it came to reducing the potentially devastating effects of stroke. “The partnership between WACHS and SJA saves so much time because it allows ED staff to have treatment ready as soon as the patient arrives at the hospital,” Ms Eaton said. “Ambulance officers can receive direction to bypass smaller hospitals and take the patient directly to a larger hospital with imaging equipment to make a comprehensive stroke diagnosis &n... -
Local students brighten Collie paediatric ward 28 August 2018 The paediatric ward of Collie Hospital is now home to a large child-friendly mural thanks to a group of Year 8 students at Collie Senior High School. Funded by Collie Community Bank, a branch of Bendigo Bank, the initiative saw local students design and create artwork intended to act as a distraction for young children undergoing medical care at the hospital. Collie Nurse Practitioner, Peter Woodman, said most health settings proved scary for young patients and artwork like this helped to break up clinical environments. “Distraction is a recognised non-pharmacological approach to pain management,” Mr Woodman said. “We’re very grateful to Collie Community Bank and the students at Collie Senior High School for helping us to make hospital visits a little less intimidating for Collie Kids,” he added. Jeff Riley, Chairman of Collie Community Bank said the organis...
Last Updated:
24/01/2024