Gosford stroke forum, our community has their say
Central Coast residents had their say on stroke leading up to the federal election by attending public forum in Gosford yesterday.
The Gosford RSL was jam-packed, and the stroke community of the NSW Central Coast got their opportunity to ask local candidates what they’re planning to do to improve local and national stroke treatment and services.
The forum was attended by local political candidates:
Emma McBride – Federal Candidate for Dobell (Australian Labor Party)
Anne Charlton – Federal Candidate for Robertson (Australian Labor Party)
Hillary Morris – Federal Candidate for Robertson (Australian Greens)
Abigail Boyd - Federal Candidate for Dobell (Australian Greens)
“The electorates of Dobell and Robertson are two of the most marginal seats in the country. They are also two of the electorates hardest hit by the burden of stroke,” Stroke Foundation CEO Sharon McGowan explained.
"This forum was a chance for us to take a bi-partisan approach and look at how we can tackle stroke together".
“Our aim was to bring local stroke survivors, their health professionals, neighbours, families and carers together in the same room as local candidates, to share their experience and highlight the issues that really matter to them,” she said.
Ms McGowan said the Stroke Foundation was calling on all sides of politics to commit to taking action on stroke at this year’s election.
“This election presents our major parties with an enormous opportunity to make a difference. Stroke is not a hopeless cause – it is largely preventable and treatable, there are actions we can take now to tackle it,” Ms McGowan said.
“With targeted investment we can reduce the impact of stroke, improve the quality of care, and give local survivors the support and information they desperately need.
“We’re calling on party leaders to commit to a modest $44 million over four years to deliver targeted stroke programs that will save lives, reduce disability and deliver savings back to the Federal Budget.
