New data has revealed the huge cost stroke places on Queensland's economy and the lives of Queenslanders, prompting a plea from Stroke Foundation for more government funding.
Stroke Foundation's 2024 Economic Impact of Stroke Report estimates stroke costs the state $3.2 billion, equating to $366,000 per survivor of stroke. These costs are modelled on health care, hospital costs, home care, road ambulance, personal and carer costs and lost income.
Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Dr Lisa Murphy, says continued government investment in vital stroke prevention, awareness and rehabilitation programs is key to reducing stroke incidence and economic and community impacts in Queensland.
"Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability in Australia and exerts an enormous cost on Queensland economy and community. The good news is that 80 percent of strokes are preventable, and therefore the impacts of stroke can be reduced through initiatives aimed to improve awareness of signs and key risk factors. Stroke survival and recovery rates can also be significantly improved through investments in more efficient treatments, improved hospital care and post-discharge rehabilitation and supports" Dr Murphy said.
"It's also important to remember not only the economic impact but the human toll of stroke. Measures we are calling for to be implemented have a significant positive impact on the lives of Queenslanders" Dr Murphy said.
Data shows that around 1 in 5 strokes which occur in Australia take place in Queensland, with around 9,100 Queenslanders of all ages experience a stroke every year. There are also more than 89,000 survivors of stroke currently living in Queensland, many with ongoing disabilities.
Stroke Foundation is calling on Queensland Government for urgent funding in this year's State Budget for five key stroke care priorities and is meeting with Queensland's Parliamentarians today to call for urgent action.
The call for Queensland Government investment and action includes:
F.A.S.T. (Face. Arms. Speech. Time) Regional and Metropolitan Education Program to ensure more Queensland residents know how to recognise the signs of stroke, and ensure people increase their chance of survival and recovery by calling 000 at first sign of stroke without delay.
Continuation of the vital My health for life Program to empower Queenslanders to lessen their risk of chronic conditions.
Continuation of the StrokeLink Program, which empowers Queensland health professionals deliver evidence-based, best-practice stroke care.
Enhanced support for stroke recovery initiatives (My Stroke Journey and dedicated StrokeLine support) to ensure more Queenslanders impacted by stroke can access the information and supports they need in a timely manner. This will benefit survivors of stroke, their families and carers, as well as the state's health system and economy.
National Stroke Week Peer Connection Grants will create opportunities for survivors of stroke, as well as their carers and families to connect with peers to support their mental and physical recovery and wellbeing.
Stroke Foundation is the only national organisation in Australia focused on stroke prevention, treatment and recovery, with over 25 years of experience working in partnership with survivors of stroke, caregivers, health professionals, state and territory governments, and the public to reduce the impact of stroke in the community.
Stroke Foundation has a proud history of partnering with Queensland Government, Statewide Stroke Clinical Network, Health and Wellbeing Queensland and local partners in delivering robust, impactful and evidence-based programs. Whilst these programs are already improving health outcomes for Queenslanders, there is much more left to do.
We have no time to waste when it comes to stroke!
