The World Stroke Organisation Gold Status Award aims to improve global standards of treatment in stroke outcomes by setting best practice benchmarks.

Dubbo Hospital Neurologist, Dr Kate Crossley said achieving the recognition was a testament to the team's dedicated commitment to improving stroke care and was honoured to received the status.

"Stroke is a time-critical medical emergency which effects the brain's blood supply," she said.

"Acting swiftly on the signs of stroke is crucial to improving chances of disability or death.

"Everyone should remember "FAST" Face weakness, Arm weakness or Speech disturbance, then it's Time to call Triple Zero."

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Back in 2020, Dubbo Hospital became a Telestroke site which allows local doctors to speak to specialist stroke Neurologists to enhance the service provided.

"We treat more than 300 suspected stroke patients a year have a well-coordinated medical team at Dubbo readily available 24/7 to deal with it," Dr Crossley said.

"However, the sooner the person gets to hospital the better their chances."

Stroke is the third leading cause of death in Australia, and the leading cause of disability.

For a hospital to achieve Gold Status, they must demonstrate a range of outcomes to show how they deal with someone who has experienced a stroke.

"Achieving this award is great timing as our hospital will soon benefit from a new Stroke Unit as part of its redevelopment project," Dr Crossley said.

"We've been working hard for years to improve the care we provide for our stroke patients and it's great to see our staff's dedication has been recognised."

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