A NEW easy-to-understand guide to help stroke survivors has been launched in Queensland.
The Stroke Foundation's new "easy English" version of the My Stroke Journey guide aims to better support Australia's 470,000 stroke survivors to make the best of life after stroke.
The guide was officially launched at Bundaberg Hospital in April.
Stroke Foundation Queensland manager Libby Dunstan said the information pack, which can be picked up at the hospital or downloaded from the foundation's website, had been updated to ensure it met the needs of as many people as possible.
"Stroke happens in an instant, changing the lives of the survivor and their loved ones forever," Ms Dunstan said.
"There is no time to prepare for the journey ahead.
"The new My Stroke Journey easy English version offers survivors and their families a comprehensive overview of all the supports and services they may need following their stroke in one convenient place.
"This includes the many Australians with poor English literacy, poor health literacy, and people with communication and comprehension difficulties following their stroke.
"Hospital is just one step on the stroke journey for survivors and their families; this information pack will help provide a roadmap for the rest of the way."
Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service chief executive Adrian Pennington said the guide has already helped thousands of stroke patients across the state.
It was developed by the Stroke Foundation with the support of Bayer Australia and in close consultation with stroke survivors, their families and health professionals.
Its first iteration was launched in 2013. Currently 250 acute, rehabilitation and community rehabilitation sites utilise My Stroke Journey - reaching about 70 per cent of all stroke patients.
It brings together information on the different types of stroke, impacts on family and friends, details on the hospital process, health services available, risks of having another stroke and information for carers and family.
The resource also features advice and reflection from stroke survivors to guide new stroke patients on their journey.
