Professor Bladin visit puts focus on stroke care locally

NEUROLOGIST, Professor Chris Bladin took some time out last week to put stroke care in the spotlight locally, when he visited GV Health for Stroke Week 2018.

In 2017, GV Health treated 228 stroke patients, with an average length of stay of three days.

Professor Bladin spoke with doctors, nurses and students about how new technology is allowing for neurologists to remotely diagnose strokes in regional areas across Australia.

Professor Bladin is the Clinical Lead of the Victorian Stroke Telemedicine Program, linking stroke specialists in Melbourne to Hospital Emergency Departments in rural and regional Victoria.

“It’s so important that we bridge that gap between large metropolitan hospitals and country hospitals,” Professor Bladin said.

“If we can bring stroke specialists into regional and rural hospitals via telemedicine, then they will be able to provide life-saving assistance to staff in the assessment and management of patients presenting with stroke symptoms.”

GV Health stroke coordinator, Melanie Brown said, “Having Professor Bladin visit Shepparton to talk with doctors, nurses and students is a thrill for us.

“He brings his knowledge and experience to the Goulburn Valley with him and will be able to assist us immeasurably as we keep working towards closing the gap between rural stroke care and metropolitan stroke care.”