Victorian stroke survivors in Ballarat 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 Ballarat and Morwell 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 Ballarat and Morwell 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 Wendouree Juliana Addison

“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.”

Quote attributable to Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle

“The road to recovery can be a long one and this new stroke centre in Ballarat will help more locals get back on their feet and back to work.”