Ramsay Newsroom

Held from the 2nd - 8th August, the theme this year is for the community to be ‘United by Stroke’ by learning to ‘think F.A.S.T’ to recognise whether someone needs urgent medical attention. 

The F.A.S.T. acronym stands for Face, Arms, Speech and Time - representing the four critical indicators that someone is experiencing a stroke - which remains one of Australia’s biggest killers. 

Face: Check their face, has their mouth dropped? 

Arms: Can they lift both arms? 

Speech: Is their speed slurred? Can they understand you? 

Time: Is critical. If you see any of these signs call 000 straight away. 

Mt Wilga Private’s Occupational Therapist Annemieke Clark said the hospital treated more than 120 people for stroke in 2020, and the team was committed to raising awareness to help give patients the best chance of recovery. 

“We have a highly specialised therapy team for stroke rehabilitation and we are so passionate about keeping up to date with the latest research on best practices because this underpins the care we provide,” Ms Clarke said. 

“Here at Mt Wilga we have that great continuity of care from our neuro team - including nurses, neuro-physiotherapists, speech pathologists, occupational therapists, dieticians and social workers, we all work really well together and we’re always aiming for that gold standard approach. 

“It’s just so special to see patients who’ve stayed with us for rehabilitation and then gone onto our day programs - to see them walking the corridors months later is just beautiful,” she said. 

According to the Stroke Foundation, in 2020, 27,428 Australians experienced a stroke for the first time in their lives - 24% of whom were under the age of 54.  At the same time, more than 445,000  

Australians are living with the effects of stroke. 

Mt Wilga Private Hospital is currently involved in two clinical research trials investigating occupational therapy home visit discharge planning, and improving arm function following a stroke.  

Last year, the team was recognised in a National Stroke Audit for its outstanding work in providing carer training to family members of those who’d survived a stroke. 

While current COVID-restrictions mean Mt Wilga Private’s planned Stroke Week festivities can’t go ahead, the team will arrange a special display desk in the foyer, adorned with badges, posters and stroke fact sheets to raise awareness of ‘think F.A.S.T’ this week. 

For more information head to www.mtwilgaprivate.com.au