The Wimmera Base Hospital has been recognised as one of Australia's best in the delivery of stroke treatment and care.
The hospital was one of seven to receive an excellence award in the 2020 Australian Stroke Coalition Quality Stroke Service Awards.
The awards recognise hospitals that achieve nine best practice stroke treatment and care benchmarks, including blood clot dissolving treatment within 60 minutes of hospital arrival, provision of stroke unit care and a discharge care plan.
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Wimmera Health Care Group director of clinical services Maree Woodhouse said the health service is very proud to be recognised as a high performing hospital.
"It's recognition of our amazing team who provide this care and showcases the importance of delivering best care in a rural setting that is equal standard to the type of care delivered in metropolitan settings," Ms Woodhouse said.
"This care has a real and direct impact on health outcomes delivered locally to the Wimmera community."
The award is based on data submitted to the Australian Stroke Clinical Registry, with Wimmera Base Hospital joining Echuca Regional Health as the only two Victorian hospitals to receive the award.
Stroke Foundation chief executive Sharon McGowan said it was great to see regional hospitals recognised in the awards.
"More than 27,400 Australians will experience a stroke for the first time in their lives in 2020, many of these will be experienced by those living in regional and rural areas of our country," Ms McGowan said.
"Regional Australians are 17 per cent more likely to experience a stroke.
"The regional hospital award recipients show that with focus, investment and support, improvements can be made."
Four Queensland hospitals and one in New South Wales were the other excellence award winners.
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