Game-changing medical service expanded for country communities

WA Telestroke is expanding its hours to become a 24-hour, seven day a week service for clinicians caring for patients with acute stroke symptoms.

In line with initiatives in Victoria, NSW and SA, WA stroke specialists are now available as the first point of contact to assist emergency clinicians in the diagnosis, assessment and disposition of acute stroke and TIA (Transient Ischaemic Attack) patients across WA.

Given the significant mortality and morbidity associated with stroke and TIA, reducing the time to both diagnosis and treatment is of enormous benefit to patients and the teams assessing them acutely.

Critical new treatments for acute ischaemic stroke including mechanical thrombectomy and thrombolysis are likely to be further enabled by Telestroke.

The extended operating hours – effective as of 31 July – is part of phase two of the $9.7 million program.

Telestroke has diagnosed and treated more than 600 stroke patients since it began in late 2021.

The expansion of the Telestroke service aligns with recommendations made in the Sustainable Health Review which aims to create a more sustainable, equitable and efficient health system.

WA Country Health Service (WACHS) Chief Executive Jeff Moffet described access to real time advice for clinicians and their patients as a "game changer".

“This is an important next step in supporting country residents by providing our regional clinicians with 24/7 access to specialist stroke consultants.

“We know that access to timely diagnosis and expert treatment can make a huge difference to the effects of a stroke on a patient.

“It’s just one more way we’re supporting our regional communities with the very best healthcare.”