NATIONAL Stroke Week is underway, and health leaders are urging locals to learn the signs of strokes as new national and regional data highlight the growing impact of the disease.
Strokes remain one of Australia’s most significant health challenges with more than 113 occurring every day.
The Stroke Foundation warns that strokes are a significant health condition in Australia.
“After a stroke, more than one in three people have an ongoing disability that impacts their daily activities,” it said.
For Redlands residents, the message is particularly important.
Redland Hospital is one of 20 Queensland hospitals contributing to the Australian Stroke Clinical Registry (AuSCR), which recorded 19,831 acute stroke episodes nationwide in 2024.
This participation means Redlands patients are directly represented in national stroke‑care monitoring and improvement programs.
Local hospital data also shows active efforts to improve stroke outcomes.
Redland Hospital’s dedicated stroke response unit has introduced new measures to strengthen early care.
Medical Registrar Dr Johayer Abtahi said: “The team see all the new patients who come in with concerns for stroke or neurological symptoms.
“We attend to the stroke codes when an emergency buzzer is activated in the Emergency Department.”
Clinical Nurse and Stroke Team Coordinator Emma Butler highlighted the hospital’s focus on evidence‑based care.
“We’re targeting our medical treatment to improve the long-term recovery of stroke patients,” she said.
“Our focus is on these critical outcomes, ensuring that we provide the best possible care for our patients.”
National Stroke Week also reinforces the FAST message – Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 000, a tool that has saved countless lives.
With 425,000 Australians having experienced a stroke and 7,900 deaths recorded in 2024, awareness remains vital.
Local health groups across the Bayside are encouraging residents to book blood pressure checks, adopt healthier habits, and support loved ones recovering from a stroke.
With Redland Hospital actively improving stroke care and contributing to national data, the region is playing a key role in strengthening outcomes for Queenslanders.
