Meet Tamsin, who answers your calls on StrokeLine 1800 787 653. StrokeLine is the National Stroke Foundation’s phone support for stroke survivors, carers and health Professionals.

How long have you been on StrokeLine?
For aprox 8 months.

What is your professional background?
I have a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy and Graduate Diploma in Neurosciences.  I have a variety of experience working in acute hospitals, rehabilitation, regional and metropolitan areas - including stroke care units.

What sorts of questions do you get on StrokeLine?
We get a variety of questions around prevention of stroke, stroke signs and symptoms, treatment of stroke, rehabilitation and recovery, services and supports.

Around 30 per cent of calls relate to prevention – questions about blood pressure, risk factors for stroke, signs of stroke, such as:
“‘do you have to have all the FAST signs of stroke for it to be a stroke?”.

Aprox 20-30 per cent of calls relate to treatment when in hospital:
“I attended Emergency and they sent me home once my symptoms of a transient ischaemic attack had resolved, they gave me a letter for my GP to get an Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) and carotid Doppler (ultrasound to test blood flow of arteries in the neck) – how urgent is it that I have these tests?”
“we are having a family meeting on Friday to talk about Dad’s discharge plan, what will be discussed?”

Aprox 50-60 of calls relate to recovery, such as:
“is there a stroke support group near me?”
“how do I find a physiotherapist?”
“my mum isn’t coping and dad is crying all the time. What can I do?”

How does it feel when you help people through StrokeLine?
It is very rewarding to try and help people navigate the medical and health system which can be very overwhelming.

Most memorable moment?
Tough question!  There are so many calls each day.  I do like it when people call back to thank me!  There are many sad and happy calls I find it hard to pick one.