Expert research and the evidence it uncovered have led to a funding boost for rehabilitation services for stroke survivors at Werribee Mercy.
A state government grant of $90,000 will fund improvements at the hospital, which health services chief executive Dr Linda Mellors said would be most welcome.
“The funding will allow us to appoint a project officer to improve evidence-based practice in the community based rehabilitation program,” she said.
“This will include working with allied health assistants to increase the intensity of rehabilitation sessions for stroke survivors.”
She said a framework developed by the Stroke Foundation three years ago found higher intensity therapy improves client, and service, outcomes.
Health Minister and Altona MP Jill Hennessy said the state government is supporting the hospital to be at the forefront of the latest advances and world’s best practice in stroke rehabilitation.
Werribee MP Tim Pallas said the hospital will now be able to provide “the best possible care to stroke survivors”, giving them a better quality of life.
About one in six people will suffer a stroke. In 2014, 2954 Victorians died from the disease. Strokes cause more deaths than breast cancer in women and prostate cancer in men.
More local news …
Ballot’s ‘in the mail’
Voters should check the mail for their ballot packs for Wyndham council elections from later this week. Electoral returning officer Heidi Burnell is encouraging people to vote as early as possible. Ballot papers must be posted or hand delivered to the election office by 6pm, Friday, October 21, or they will not be counted. Voters who haven’t received their ballot pack by October 12 should call 8619 1952 during business hours to arrange a replacement.
More maternity ward funds
Werribee Mercy Hospital has received $65,000 from the state government to ensure the right systems are in place to deliver a higher quality and safer maternity care. The funding has been forthcoming after a review of stillbirths and newborn deaths at Djerriwarrh Health Services.
Local grants given out
Thirty-four community groups across Wyndham have received a share of $30,000 from developers Cedar Woods as part of its neighbourhood grants scheme. Among those receiving a share of the bounty were Weerama Festival Committee, Wyndham Relay for Life, Williams Landing Sports Club and Laverton Swimming Club.
