Tuesday, 2 May 2023

Northern Victoria Region

Gaelle BROAD (Northern Victoria) (14:20): (127) My constituency question is to the Minister for Health. Can the minister please advise what support services are available in Bendigo and the surrounding region to people impacted by stroke? In February I raised the need for ongoing funding for the Bendigo Stroke Support Centre, with no response to date. Yesterday the Stroke Association of Victoria advised that due to a lack of government funding they will be closing the centre on 19 May. I have spoken to stroke survivors, their families and carers and staff, and they are devastated by this news. I received a letter yesterday from a lady whose husband had a stroke. They moved to Bendigo to access better support services, and they are worried about the mental health of survivors and their families. Support centres like Bendigo provide a lifeline to stroke survivors and their families. Closing this service will only put our health system under increased pressure. I ask the minister to provide urgent clarity on this matter and confirm ongoing funding ahead of the state budget.