A Liberal Nationals Government would invest $6 million for a dedicated stroke ambulance based at Monash Medical Centre.
It would ensure an extra one million residents, from Seaford to Beaumaris and Narre Warren to Belgrave and Ringwood, would have access to the service for the first time.
Victoria’s first stroke ambulance is based at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, and is limited to attending patients within 20 kilometres.
It’s purpose-built, has an on-board CT scanner, telemedicine and a mobile lab, is staffed by a combination of a neurologist, nurse, radiographer and two paramedics, and is called out about six times a day.
It enables treatment to start on the ambulance rather than at the hospital.
Stroke affects one in six people, with 14,000 Victorians suffering a stroke last year and 3000 not surviving.
Up to 1.9 million brain cells die each minute during stroke, so a faster response increases the chances of a full recovery.
Stroke is the leading cause of disability in Australia.
