National Stroke Week

This week is National Stroke Week (Aug 8-14) and our stroke team at OPH are raising awareness.

Do you know the signs of stroke?

Every 19 minutes an Australian will have a stroke.

In Australia, stroke is the second leading cause of death and a major cause of disability.

The degree of damage caused by a stroke depends on the length of time the brain tissue is denied blood supply.

Getting help quickly can make all the difference, so learn the signs and make the call!

If you suspect a stroke, please call 000 for an ambulance straight away.

Know the signs:

• Face – has their mouth drooped?
• Arm – can they lift both arms?
• Speech – are they slurring, can they understand what you are saying?
• Time – is critical. Call an ambulance straight away.

Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital currently treats approximately 1,100 strokes each year and serves as the main comprehensive stroke centre in Western Australia. The stroke rehabilitation service located at Osborne Park Hospital (OPH) is dedicated to the rehabilitation of stroke survivors and has three parts, Inpatient Rehabilitation Service, Early Supported Discharge (rehabilitation in the home program) and the Stroke Rehabilitation Clinic.