Wednesday August 9, 2023

“Our greatest strength is our front end; our door to needle time, which is the time that the patient presents until the time they get thrombolysis and our door in, door out time. We’re national leaders in both those times.”

“We’re very proud to say that we’re the fastest in the country and are able to set that standard to ensure that patients receive excellent, prompt expert care to aid the best possible recovery post stroke,” Acute Stroke Nurse, Tanya Frost highlighted the performance of the team at Eastern Health.

These comments come on the back of Eastern Health Box Hill receiving Stroke Unit Certification as a Primary Stroke Centre on behalf of the Australian Stroke Coalition.

As one of three advanced practice nurses at Box Hill Hospital, Ms Frost along with the team have been working tirelessly to make sure Eastern Health Box Hill continues to lead the national standard in stroke care.

The Eastern Health Box Hill Stroke Unit Team Image: Eastern Health

The Stroke Unit has a strong focus towards upskilling all clinicians to recognise and respond to suspected strokes.

Eastern Health is also part of the pilot program that is helping set the bar for standardised stroke care across Australia. “Achieving this certification is recognition that we are doing the best for our patients and because it’s part of a pilot program, we have a voice in setting the national standards.

“What we’re trying to do is standardise stroke care across Australia, because the very best treatment should be available to everyone, regardless of location,” Ms Frost said.

Our feedback from the accreditation was very positive citing “Eastern Health Box Hill proved to be an exemplary site with a strong team culture, and staff who are passionate about the stroke care they provide”.

A patient is scanned for stroke related injuries
A patient is scanned for stroke related injuries Image: Eastern Health

“The stroke nurses are there for the entire patient journey from when the patient comes through the door to when the patient goes home and the coordination of the systems approach in between.

“We know that what we do today makes a massive difference to the patient and how they recover from their stroke,” Ms Frost explained.

Chief Executive David Plunkett is proud of the efforts that have gone into creating the best possible outcomes for patients, acknowledging tremendous decision making skills and collaborative approach to care.

“This Accreditation is reflective of an engaged multidisciplinary team; from the nurses and doctors in our Acute Stroke Ward, Emergency Department and Medical Imaging.

“We thank them for their brilliant work and service to the Eastern Health community,” he said.