The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre was the location for the combined Stroke Society of Australasia (SSA) and Smart Strokes conference “Stroke 2015 – From Translation to Recovery” held 2-4th September 2015. The Sydney Stroke Rehabilitation Centre at MetroRehab Hospital was a proud sponsor of the event supporting the advancement of stroke research and clinical care. The Sydney Stroke Rehabilitation Centre exhibit drew much interest from clinicians and researchers interested in the Stroke Inpatient and Stroke Day Programs.
Anna Barlow, the Stroke and Neurological Coordinator, commented “What an amazing line-up of inspiring lectures this year! It was so important to hear directly from Stroke Survivor Emma Lee – she felt did not receive any support to adjust emotionally to life after stroke and this had a profound effect on her recovery. It shows we all must do better, listen to our patients and understand all of their needs.” On display at the conference was the poster presentation “MetroRehab Hospital Aphasia Conversation Group: A journey to self-management” which outlined a recent piece of research completed at the Sydney Stroke Rehabilitation Centre. The study explored the success of a speech pathology group which was conducted as part of the Stroke Day Program. It showed that despite significant challenges to their communication those with aphasia have the potential to develop their conversation skills further outside of formal therapy.
