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Australian Hospital Stroke Services 2026 — Thrombolysis, Thrombectomy & Rehab Guide
Complete guide to Australian hospital stroke services — stroke pathway management, thrombolysis, mechanical thrombectomy, stroke unit care, National Stroke Foundation guidelines, stroke registry, and stroke software.
Stroke is the #2 cause of death and #1 cause of disability in Australia. 50,000+ cases per year. Thrombolysis rate is 15-20% (target > 30%). This guide covers Australian stroke services.
Acute Stroke Pathway
- Recognition: FAST (Face, Arms, Speech, Time) — public awareness
- Emergency call: Call 000 (Australian emergency number)
- Pre-notification: Ambulance pre-notifies hospital — stroke alert activation
- ED triage: Immediate triage, NIHSS assessment, vital signs
- CT scan: Non-contrast CT within 25 minutes of arrival
- Thrombolysis: IV alteplase within 45 minutes (door-to-needle) if eligible
- Thrombectomy: Mechanical thrombectomy for LVO within 6-24 hours
- Stroke unit: Admit to stroke unit for monitoring and care
- Rehab: Early rehabilitation (physio, OT, speech, swallow)
Stroke Service Levels
| Level | Description | Capabilities |
|---|---|---|
| Stroke-ready hospital | Basic stroke care | Thrombolysis, CT, stroke pathway |
| Primary stroke centre | Comprehensive stroke care | Thrombolysis, stroke unit, 24/7 CT |
| Comprehensive stroke centre | All stroke services | Thrombolysis, thrombectomy, neurosurgery, ICU |
Stroke KPIs
| KPI | Target | Australian Average |
|---|---|---|
| Door-to-CT time | < 25 min | 30-40 min |
| Door-to-needle time | < 45 min | 55-70 min |
| Thrombolysis rate (eligible) | > 30% | 15-20% |
| Stroke unit admission | > 90% | 70-80% |
| Mortality (ischaemic stroke) | < 15% | 15-18% |
| Functional independence at 90d | > 50% | 40-50% |
| Rehab assessment within 48h | > 95% | 80-90% |
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the stroke burden in Australia?
- Stroke is the #2 cause of death and #1 cause of disability in Australia. 50,000+ stroke cases per year (one every 10 minutes). Prevalence: 450,000+ stroke survivors. Key risk factors: hypertension (30%), AF (5%), smoking (12%), diabetes (7%). 65% of stroke patients arrive within the thrombolysis window (4.5 hours).
- What is the Australian stroke thrombolysis rate?
- Australian thrombolysis rate for ischaemic stroke: 15-20% of eligible patients (target: > 30%). Door-to-needle target: < 45 minutes (Australian average: 55-70 minutes). Key barriers: 1) Delayed presentation, 2. Delayed ED triage, 3. Delayed CT, 4. Delayed decision. The Stroke Foundation targets improving thrombolysis rates through pre-notification and stroke unit access.
- What is the National Stroke Foundation?
- Stroke Foundation (formerly National Stroke Foundation) is Australia's national stroke organisation. It: 1) Publishes Clinical Guidelines for Stroke Management, 2. Runs the National Stroke Audit (annual), 3. Maintains the Australian Stroke Clinical Registry (AuSCR), 4. Runs FAST campaign (public awareness), 5. Advocates for stroke care improvement. All Australian stroke services should follow Stroke Foundation guidelines.