Keith Chaplin’s life was upended after he suffered a stroke, but thanks to a new Stroke Service at Bass Coast Health (BCH), he’s on-track to living his best life possible.
The Cape Woolamai resident has been undergoing rehabilitation at Armitage House at Wonthaggi Hospital, under the guidance of an expert stroke team at BCH.
Six weeks ago, Keith was unable to sit up, speaking was difficult, and completing activities like getting dressed was impossible. Now, after intensive rehabilitation involving a large team, he’s able to stand and walk with support, speak clearly, and is on the road to independence.
“The team here has been wonderful. They started from scratch and worked me up to where I am now,” he said.
“I’m getting some use of the right side. It’s fantastic that I’ve been making progress. I feel like I’ve got more movement and that makes me feel happier.”
During National Stroke Week from 5-11 August, BCH’s new Stroke Service is helping local stroke patients to undertake their rehabilitation at Wonthaggi Hospital, closer to their home and support networks.
The new service is in line with BCH’s continued service development as a growing sub-regional health service, and is led by Luke Anstey as Stroke Coordinator and Associate Professor Dr Barry Rawicki, Rehabilitation Physician.
Luke coordinates best practice stroke care across our departments and works closely with each patient’s treating team. That includes Associate Professor Rawicki, who supports stroke and general rehabilitation, and operates a community outpatient clinic each Monday.
Luke said, “In 2022, approximately 200 people presented to BCH with a stroke or mini-stroke. Given the prevalence of stroke in our community, it’s important that we offer a comprehensive rehabilitation service locally to improve patients’ care and long-term outcomes.
“Until recently, people who suffered a stroke went to Melbourne for rehabilitation. Now stroke survivors can stay in their community for rehabilitation or return to BCH for rehabilitation after receiving advanced treatment elsewhere.
“Patients I have worked with have highlighted the benefit of getting better closer to their family and friends, and that makes a big difference to their rehabilitation.”
An experienced Physiotherapist, Luke has a special interest and experience in stroke and neurological rehabilitation. Associate Professor Rawicki has expertise in neurology rehabilitation, gait analysis, spinal cord conditions, and interventional and non-interventional chronic pain management. He has held senior positions at Monash University and Monash Children’s Hospital.
As part of implementing the new stroke service, staff have been training, and new equipment and procedures have been introduced.
People wishing to see Associate Professor Rawicki for an outpatient appointment can ask their medical practitioner to fax a referral to Rehabilitation Medicine to 03 9102 5307 or email it to Access@basscoasthealth.org.au
BCH is also part of the Victorian Stroke Telemedicine network. Our emergency staff use brain imaging and remote consultations with neurologists to care for patients coming to hospital with signs of a stroke.
A stroke happens when blood can’t get to the brain because of a blocked or burst artery. Prompt medical treatment is vital. If you or someone else experiences the signs of stroke, call triple zero (000) immediately. Signs include a drooped face, arms unable to be raised, dizziness, loss of vision and slurred speech. To learn more, go to: strokefoundation.org.au