Summary
Central Queenslanders now have faster access to life-saving stroke treatment, with Rockhampton Hospital joining the Queensland Telestroke Service.
This marks a significant step forward in delivering timely, specialist stroke care to regional communities.
Through the Queensland Telestroke Service (QTS), Rockhampton Hospital clinicians have 24/7 access to stroke specialists via telehealth, enabling rapid diagnosis and treatment decisions for patients with stroke symptoms.
Central Queensland Health Executive Director of Medical Services Dr Ben Pearson says this is an exciting development for the region.
“It’s a game changer for our community. When it comes to stroke, every minute counts. Fast treatment for a stroke is essential in achieving the best outcomes in recovery.”
The service, part of Queensland Health’s Virtual Hospital initiative, uses virtual care technology to connect local clinicians with specialist stroke neurologists who are part of the QTS Network, who then provide real-time CT interpretation, support and guidance for treatment plans.
This includes rapid review of imaging and decision making around administering clot-busting medications such as thrombolysis, which can significantly reduce the long-term impacts of stroke when given quickly.
Until now, patients with suspected stroke at Rockhampton Hospital were often transferred to Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital for stroke specialist care. With the new service, access to stroke neurology advice can be streamlined.
Many regional and rural hospitals across Australia do not have round-the-clock access to a stroke specialist on site, but this new service enables clinicians to work together across organisational boundaries to provide time-critical care locally.
The service ensures stroke care at Rockhampton Hospital aligns with national standards, including the Acute Stroke Clinical Care Standard and the Stroke Foundation’s Living Clinical Guidelines.
Community members are reminded that stroke is always a medical emergency. BE FAST and know the signs of a stroke:
- Balance: Loss of balance, dizziness
- Eyes: Sudden trouble seeing
- Face: Has it drooped?
- Arms: Can they be raised?
- Speech: Is it slurred or confused?
- Time: is critical - call 000 immediately.
With the new Queensland Telestroke Service, Rockhampton Hospital is better equipped than ever to respond swiftly and effectively when every second matters.