Local support for survivors of stroke

A CENTRE for stroke survivors will be built in Ballarat to support at least two hundred people in recovery per month.

Set to assist patients in regaining and strengthening function, the facility will offer wellness and social activities, information and education programs, and is part of an $8.7 million State Government injection to improve the health outcomes of regional and rural cardiac and strokes patients.

In partnership with the Stroke Association of Victoria and Safer Care Victoria, the centre will also help survivors to return to work, conducting vocational rehabilitation and assessing patients’ readiness.

Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison said the centre will reduce the need for those in the region to travel.

“This new centre will mean people with a stroke related injury in Ballarat can get the treatment and support they need to regain their independence, close to home,” she said.

With the road to recovery after stroke often long and winding for some, Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle said it doesn’t necessarily have to be that way.

“This new stroke centre in Ballarat will help more locals get back on their feet and back to work,” she said.

Geelong is home to an existing stroke centre which has worked with 3261 patients, their carers, families and friends since it opened four years ago.