South West patients recovering from a stroke or orthopaedic surgery can now access specialised rehabilitation treatment closer to home thanks to a new program.
The program was created in response to a growing demand with a specialist stroke rehabilitation service at Bunbury Hospital and a specialist orthopaedic rehabilitation service at Busselton Health Campus.
WA Country Health Service's Jo Moore said it would include better access to technological support and less need to transfer patients to Perth - making it convenient and cheaper for patients.
Busselton resident Heather Burking was one of the first patients to benefit from the program after experiencing a stroke.
Her husband Charles said the quick response from Emergency Department staff at Busselton Health Campus and airlift to Perth for surgery saved her life.
Mrs Burking was later transferred to Bunbury Hospital for intensive rehab treatment to help her regain her strength and confidence.
"I was relieved to have a team of highly trained staff who knew the best way to help me recover after my stroke," she said.
Mrs Burking continued to receive support from the outpatient stroke rehab team when she was discharged to ensure her return to home was as smooth as possible.
