SANDRA Lever has dedicated her working life to helping survivors live well after stroke, including recognising that recovery extends well beyond learning to walk and talk again.
This whole-person approach includes a special interest in patient relationships and intimacy after stroke.
Last month Ms Lever, from Sydney, was recognised for her dedication to stroke, winning the Stroke Foundation and Stroke Society of Australasia 2019 Stroke Care Champion Award.
Ms Lever, a clinical nurse consultant at Graythwaite Rehabilitation Centre at Ryde Hospital, said it was a great honour to receive the award.
"I am so fortunate to love the work that I do and being recognised with this award inspires me to continue working towards making a positive difference in stroke rehabilitation care," she said.
"I know that this would not have been possible without the support of the many people I work with who are also passionate and enthusiastic about improving the lives of stroke survivors."
Ms Lever was presented with the award by former governor-general Sir Peter Cosgrove at Parliament House, Canberra.
Nominees for the award, including neurologists, stroke nurses, occupational therapists, psychologists and researchers.