The Stroke Network improves care for NSW stroke patients by better co-ordinating stroke services across the state and providing a forum to share available resources and promote expertise. The Stroke Network is leading implementation of the NSW Stroke Reperfusion Service, which was launched in January 2013 as a result of collaboration between ACI, NSW Ministry of Health, Local Health Districts, and NSW Ambulance. The Stroke Network continues to provide baseline audit data for rural Local Health Districts in NSW where there are currently no organised stroke services. The audit data is based on the National Stroke Foundation Clinical Guidelines (2010) and provides the platform for service development in consultation with clinicians, consumers, Local Health District Executives and the Network.

Stroke

Stroke is the second leading cause of disability in Australia and the third leading cause of death. The outcome of stroke can be minimised by early, expert care.

Call for emergency help fast if you or someone you know experiences the following symptoms:

• Weakness, numbness or paralysis of the face, arm or leg – especially on one side of the body.
• Sudden blurred or decreased vision in one or both eyes.
• Difficulty speaking or understanding simple statements.
• Loss of balance, especially when combined with another symptom.
• Sudden severe or unexplained headache.

Our People

The ACI Stroke Network (Stroke Services NSW) is comprised of more than 300 clinicians, consumers and carers who work closely with allied agencies to improve stroke care.

The network’s representatives come from the NSW Ministry of Health, local health districts, specialty network governed health corporations, Clinical Excellence Commission, Australasian Stroke Unit Network, the Health Education and Training Institute (formerly Clinical Education and Training Institute), Stroke Recovery Association of NSW, National Stroke Foundation and the National Stroke Research Institute.

Background

The ACI Stroke Network (Stroke Services NSW) was established under a predecessor organisation - the Greater Metropolitan Clinical Taskforce - in 2002 to develop a co-ordinated approach to stroke care across NSW. The network remains committed to sharing available resources and promoting expertise.

Stroke is the second leading cause of disability in Australia and the third leading cause of death.

The outcome of stroke can be minimised by early, expert care.