Lives have been saved thanks to medical staff and state of the art facilities at Shoalhaven Hospital’s stroke unit.
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However, Shoalhaven stroke patients must drive to Wollongong Hospital for initial consultations when the visiting neurologist isn’t in town.
Local nurse and Shoalhaven Councillor Nina Cheyne has been pushing for a permanent neurologist in the Shoalhaven.
“We should have one here,” she said.
“We have an ageing population in the Shoalhaven, the demand for a neurologist is only going to grow.”
Cr Cheyne’s concerned the longer patients wait for a diagnosis, the longer they wait to be treated.
This can compound the effects of a stroke.
“It is crazy that elderly people in the Shoalhaven don't have immediate access to a drug that can prevent the condition from worsening,” she said.
“Or the least we can do is get neurologist on the TV screen.”
At this stage, the hospital has the technology in place for remote diagnosis, but not the manpower.
In order for this to happen, there must be a neurologist available for consultation at the other end of the line.
Casting political allegiances aside, Cr Cheyne has joined forces with Kiama MP Gareth Ward, who works closely with the NSW Health Minister, to lobby for a neurologist in town.
Cr Cheyne looks forward to raising the issue with the public at an upcoming Parkinson’s disease forum in Bomaderry.
More than 400 people have confirmed they will attend the forum at Bomaderry Bowling Club on September 5.
