Wagga Wagga Base Hospital’s Stroke Unit has once again been recognised as one of the best in Australia for exceptional patient care, delivered by highly skilled and experienced staff.
Katherine Mohr and Martin Jude
The latest accolade for the Unit is its certification as a Primary Stroke Centre by the Australian Stroke Coalition (ASC). It is one of the first Stroke Units in Australia to receive this recognition, and the first in NSW.
The ASC Stroke Unit Certification program is a pilot program that acknowledges that stroke unit care in Australia is variable, depending on location, with patients in regional areas much less likely to receive care in a dedicated stroke unit.
To achieve and maintain certification, hospitals will be required to consistently meet a set of national stroke criteria related to patient care, staffing and data collection.
Wagga Stroke Unit’s Neurologist, Associate Professor Martin Jude and Stroke Care Coordinator, Katherine Mohr said the team were enthusiastic about participating in the pilot program, and very proud of the result they achieved.
“Overall, the assessors were highly complimentary of our service, which was wonderful recognition for our team,” said Ms Mohr.
“We also hope that it reassures local patients that there is high quality care available here locally.”
The Stroke Unit also received the prestigious World Stroke Organisation Gold Status Angels Award in the most recent reporting period.
“Back in 2020 we were the first Stroke Unit in Australia to receive the Gold Status Angels Award for meeting the highest standards in stroke treatment. We have now achieve eight Gold and one Platinum Award, the most Angel’s awards of any hospital in Australia,” said Ms Mohr.
In the Murrumbidgee, access to quality stroke care has been expanded in the past two years with the introduction of the Telestroke service.
Telestroke connects patients and local doctors at Wagga, Griffith and Deniliquin Hospitals with a network of specialist stroke physicians via video consultation, managed by Sydney’s Prince of Wales Hospital, for life saving diagnosis and stroke treatment.
Professor Jude said regional areas have a higher incidence of stroke, and notes that time is critical in stroke care.
“In a regional area we have the challenge of distance so recognising those early signs of stroke and seeking medical attention as quickly as possible is so important,” said Professor Jude.
“Our Stroke Transfer Protocol ensures that if a patient comes to any emergency department or calls an ambulance their stroke symptoms are recognised and they are taken by ambulance straight to a hospital where we have staff trained in stroke diagnosis and care, and access to Telestroke if required.”
In Stroke Week, Professor Jude is highlighting the common signs and symptoms that may be present with a stroke.
Face Check their face. Has their mouth drooped?
Arms Can they lift both arms?
Speech Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?
Time Is critical. If you see any of these signs call 000 straight away.
“Whilst these are the most common signs, the patient may have other symptoms such as weakness in an arm or leg, loss of balance, blurred vision, headache or difficulty swallowing,” said Professor Jude.
“If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, or you notice them in someone else, call 000 immediately. Time is critical so act FAST!”
Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) is delighted to announce that Midwifery Manager Sandra Forde has been awarded the highly respected 2024 Don Kendell Memorial Leadership Award. The award, presented at our Annual Public Meeting, honours individuals who exemplify the leadership qualities that Don Kendell himself championed—commitment, innovation, and an unwavering dedication to improving healthcare.
