Opening of first purpose-built stroke unit at RPH

Australia's first purpose-built acute stroke unit has been opened in Royal Perth Hospital.

The new treatment and research unit, which cost $500,000, was opened today by Seniors' Minister Judyth Watson, who is patron of the Stroke Association of Western Australia.

Initial impetus for the formation of the stroke unit came in 1959, with the creation in RPH of a medical unit dedicated to the rehabilitation of neurological disorders, including stroke.

In 1984, a stroke assessment service was set up by the hospital's Departments of Neurology and Geriatric Medicine, and further evaluation of the service in 1986 showed the need for a more comprehensive approach.

"The result has been the foundation of a leading medical unit dedicated to the care of stroke sufferers and researching the disorder," Dr Watson said.

"Recent studies show that stroke affects 258 in every 100,000 Western Australians.

"This equates to 2,500 stroke cases per year, of which two thirds are new and one third recurrent.

"Australia-wide, there are about 37,000 cases of stroke each year, with half of them being people aged 75 and over.

"Given the size of the problem it was decided to form a stroke unit at RPH, to be run jointly by the Departments of Internal Medicine and Neurology.

"Clearly, the ethos of this new unit is to forge a team of physicians, nurses, therapists and other professionals who are interested in the care of patients with stroke, and in resolving the problems caused by stroke."

Dr Watson said the level of community support for the project was reflected through the St George's Rotary Club, which 'adopted' the stroke unit in 1991 and had provided equipment for patients.

The Australian Brain Foundation also deserved credit for its support.

"It is my firm hope that the work undertaken by the unit will lead to a better understanding of this debilitating disorder and ultimately a reduction in the incidence of stroke through prevention," the Minister said.