About the Stroke Foundation – What we do

Stroke Foundation – Reducing risks, improving outcomes

The Stroke Foundation is the only organisation in New Zealand dedicated to reducing the incidence of stroke, improving treatment outcomes, and supporting those affected by stroke. The Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation that supports more than 40 field officers and 70 stroke clubs throughout New Zealand.

The Foundation is made up of a national office and four regional councils, each of whom appoint representatives to form the National Council.

Our mission is to:
•   save lives
•   improve outcomes
•   enhance life after stroke

Saving lives

We promote public awareness about the risk factors for stroke and how to recognise the symptoms.
•   Blood Pressure awareness campaign – nationwide in May each year, in partnership with St John, Rotary, and Foodstuffs supermarkets.
•   F.A.S.T. campaign – improving recognition of stroke symptom onset and immediate response.
•   Pacific stroke prevention programme.

Improving outcomes

We focus on health service delivery to improve acute and rehabilitation hospital services and treatment outcomes.
•   We undertake audits of stroke services, write and publish clinical guidelines, and we are currently leading the project to bring all DHB stroke services up to the agreed international best-practice standard.
•   National Stroke Guidelines – review, update and publish.
•   Audit and report acute and post-acute DHB stroke services.
•   Clinical networks – a programme to assist all DHB’s meet agreed Guideline standards.

Enhancing life after stroke

We represent the interests of stroke survivors and their families and work with them to enhance the quality of life of those affected by stroke.
•   Field officer support: trained field officers are available to help with any stroke-related problems. They make hospital and home visits, support families and can advise on accessing carer-relief services and funding.
•   Spouse support group: for partners of stroke survivors to share and gain support.
•   Stroke clubs: meet regularly all over New Zealand to support people who’ve had a stroke and encourage them to take part in social activities.

Funding

The vast majority of our funding comes from donations and grants. Most of the remainder comes from government contracts.

The Foundation’s income was $3.8million in 2011.