University Hospital Geelong is being recognised for its efforts in providing care for stroke patients with stroke unit certification by the Australian Stroke Coalition (ASC).
The Barwon Health facility was among 25 hospitals nationwide to be certified through the ASC Stroke Unit Certification Program.
Stroke Foundation chief executive Dr Lisa Murphy said the program honoured hospitals that consistently delivered patients the best possible stroke care.
“All Australian survivors of stroke deserve the best quality of care regardless of where they are hospitalised,” she said.
“ There should be no postcode lottery. Both Australian and international evidence suggests that rigorous stroke centre certification programs improve the quality of stroke care and patient outcomes.
“This means some people with stroke are being provided sub-optimal care, which impacts their recovery and leads to poorer health outcomes; this is unfair.
“Treatment on a dedicated stroke unit is proven to make the biggest overall difference of any intervention to patient outcomes following stroke, reducing the risks of both death and disability.”
Australian and New Zealand Stroke Organisation president Professor Tim Kleinig said quality stroke unit care was critical.
“I applaud these hospitals for taking the necessary steps in ensuring they meet and maintain a high quality of stroke care,” he said.
“We must ensure everyone unfortunate enough to have a stroke has the best possible chance, not only of survival but also a good post-stroke recovery.
“This is an opportunity for all Australian hospitals treating patients with stroke to further enhance the already excellent work their stroke teams deliver.”
Other Victorian hospitals that received certification included Austin Health, Northern Hospital, Alfred Hospital, Echuca Hospital, Box Hill Hospital, Latrobe Regional Hospital, and Royal Melbourne Hospital.
