Link April 2017 | Page 10

news federal government urged to act on stroke The Stroke Foundation is calling on the Australian Government to take action on stroke to reduce the burden of the disease on the community. Stroke Foundation chief executive officer Sharon McGowan said the government had an opportunity to vastly improve access to stroke treatment and support for survivors across Australia. “Stroke causes terrible suffering and too many of the 470,000 survivors and carers living in our community are not getting the ongoing care be a lifeline for stroke survivors figure is predicted to rise due to and support they desperately and carers, helping them navigate Australia’s ageing population. need,” Ms McGowan said. the complex and often confusing community care system.” “We’ve heard from too many “Implementing best-practice clinical guidelines, expanding survivors that leaving the hospital Ms McGowan said modest stroke telehealth networks and is like falling into a black hole. government investment in increasing public awareness will Post-discharge follow up care and improving access to stroke increase the number of Australians support is an area that desperately treatment and support – as that can access treatment and needs government investment. outlined in the Foundation's make a good recovery after 2017-18 pre-budget submission stroke,” Ms McGowan said. “Almost half of all Australian stroke – would deliver significant patients leave hospital without a impact. Stroke currently costs the The Stroke Foundation 2017-18 plan for their ongoing recovery. A Australian economy an estimated pre-Budget submission is available national follow up program would $5 billion each year, and this at: strokefoundation.org.au new name, same service A unique South Australian charity that designs and builds equipment for people with disabilities has changed its name. and Disability (SA) Inc, recognising an increase in projects for older South Australians and changes in terminology regarding disability. clients enter or return to work, 08 Established nearly 40 years ago, The organisation’s volunteers build Technical Aid to the Disabled (SA) is devices for clients to help improve the provision of equipment. now known as Technology for Ageing their quality of life. They also help tadsa.org.au news study, rec