Funding boost to support stroke recovery

An additional $1 million research boost supporting new, innovative and cutting edge treatment options to aid stroke recovery has been welcomed across the nation with open arms.

Posted October 8th 2018

by Alexandra Stopford

<p>New funding has been announced for stroke research (Source: Shutterstock)</p> — New funding has been announced for stroke research (Source: Shutterstock)

The Return to Life, Return to Work package, funded by the Federal Government’s Medical Research Future Fund, comes in addition to the $1.5 million announced by Minister for Health Greg Hunt in August, and aims to provide new medicines to working-age Australians impacted by stroke.

Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Sharon McGowan applauded the Federal Government for investing in the future of Australia’s younger stroke survivors.

“Around 142,500 Australian stroke survivors are of working age,” she says.

“International evidence shows incidence of stroke among young people is increasing, so we must do more to ensure tailored services and supports are available.

“Stroke strikes the brain and can leave a lasting impact on independence, family life, finances and careers – particularly for those in their 20s to 50s.

“While advancements in acute stroke treatment mean more Australians are surviving than ever before, recovery can be a long and challenging journey physically, cognitively and mentally.

“This funding package has the potential to provide breakthrough treatments to those suffering from the impact of stroke allowing them to optimise their recovery and return to the things in life which fulfill them most.”

Federal Minister for Health, Greg Hunt, announced the additional funding for the project.

“The project will enable more Australians of working age who have had a stroke to access new innovative and cutting edge treatment options to aid their recovery,” he says.

“There are more than 475,000 stroke survivors living in the community and one third of stroke survivors are under the age of 65.

“Stroke kills more women than breast cancer and more men than prostate cancer, and is a leading cause of disability. More than 56,000 Australians have strokes every year.

“Supporting medical research is a key priority of the Coalition Government’s long-term national health plan and provides benefits to all Australians.”

The funding is set to be delivered over three years with the research package including Australia’s first multicentred clinical trial or Perispinal Entanercept in chronic stroke.

Applications for the research package are now open with details about great requirements and application forms available online.