Victorian stroke survivors in Morwell will receive world-leading support to help them regain function and return to work, with the Andrews Labor Government establishing new support centres across the state.

Minister for Health Martin Foley today announced two new stroke support centres will be established in Morwell and Ballarat as part of the Labor Government’s $8.7 million investment to improve health outcomes from cardiac conditions and strokes in regional and rural areas.

Working with the Stroke Association of Victoria and Safer Care Victoria, the Government will build on the success of the existing support centre in Geelong – which helps the estimated 3261 stroke survivors and their cares in the Greater Geelong area since the centre opened in 2017.

The centres in Morwell and Ballarat will offer support, education, wellness programs, information sessions and social activities to help more than 200 stroke survivors a month connect with their community.

Returning to work will also be made easier for people recovering from injury, with the help of work readiness assessments and vocational rehabilitation services. This service will also be expanded across the existing centres in Shepparton and Bendigo.

In Australia one in every four deaths is attributed to cardiovascular disease, which includes heart disease and stroke.

Additional stroke support in the package includes:

• Establishing five new rapid access clinics for people with atrial fibrillation (irregular/rapid heartbeat)
• Trialling a digital cardiac rehabilitation service in five health services
• Creating a rural network for help in interpreting ECGs at urgent care centres, and
• Expanding the uptake of screening for cardiovascular disease and link people at risk to appropriate risk reduction programs.

Quote attributable to Minister for Health Martin Foley

“There are thousands of Victorians living with the effects of stroke and we’re getting them the support they need to improve their recovery, regain function and reconnect with their community, closer to home.”

Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

“The road to recovery from a stroke is often long and complex, and can require specific support and treatment – this new stroke centre in Morwell will be an important local resource to help more Gippslanders to get the care they need, closer to home, and to better help them and their families to restore independence and wellbeing.”