General News
19 March, 2023
Knuth joins call for Telestroke service
THE call to implement a state-wide Telestroke Service has gained support from Member for Hill Shane Knuth who spoke in Parliament recently about the urgent need to take up the service.
“It simply makes no sense that the service has been adopted in every other State in Australia, except Queensland,” he said.
“We are seeing a significant reduction in access to basic health services in regional Australia. GPs are closing their doors at an alarming rate, with smaller communities having to sometimes travel for hours just to see a GP.
“Implementing a state-wide Telestroke service could help to fill this widening gap in services available to regional and remote communities.”
Mr Knuth said the Health Minister responded positively to his question on notice, stating; “Queensland Health is leading a state-wide reform agenda to transform the future of our health system, which includes the consideration of a state-wide Telestroke service.
“This work is still in the consultation and de-velopment phase and therefore we are unable to advise a current timeline nor outcomes from this important phase.”
Mr Knuth said that every day the decision is delayed in implementing the service would cost lives and cause long-term serious injuries.
“The statistics speak for themselves,” he said.
“In Queensland alone, over 5,000 Queenslanders, will suffer a stroke for the first time this year, with 25 per cent of Queenslanders experiencing a stroke in their lifetime.”
Moyamoya Australia founder Nicole Baker said there was no reason why the service shouldn’t be adopted immediately.
“It’s time for regional Queenslanders to receive the same Telestroke service which is available in every other Australian state,” she said.
“As a parent, I have firsthand experience of a child stroking in front of me and it’s absolutely horrific.
“To know there is a service available to ensure they receive the care they deserve is lifechanging, and with one stroke of a pen we could have it here in Queensland.
“Regional Queensland survivors of stroke and their loved ones deserve access to this lifesaving service.”
