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Auckland Health Foundation
Auckland, October 18, 2018
Rupert Myhre was 30 years old when he suffered a severe stroke, but within just seven days, he was discharged from Auckland City Hospital.
Rupert was in Hamilton at the time of his stroke, which came completely out of the blue. Within several hours, he was flown to Auckland City Hospital to undergo an emergency clot retrieval procedure, a regional service provided by Auckland DHB.
Ground-breaking treatment
Given the severity of his stroke, the procedure saved Rupert from permanent paralysis and the need for life-long care. Following the ground-breaking treatment, the ‘PREP2 algorithm’ predicted Rupert’s level of recovery.
Auckland DHB is the first health organisation in the world to use the PREP2 algorithm to predict hand and arm outcomes for stroke patients. There was previously no way of accurately knowing what level of recovery would be possible, but thanks to this world-leading research, clinical and neurophysiological assessments can determine how well a patient will recover the use of their hand and arm.
Research and Development
The PREP2 algorithm is the result of several years’ research involving Auckland DHB stroke patients, DHB clinicians and University of Auckland scientists, and it is now used successfully in day-to-day practice at Auckland City Hospital.
Clinicians use PREP2 predictions to tailor the patient’s rehabilitation plan to best meet their needs, ensure their recovery potential is realised and help them return home sooner.
Rupert is back working, driving and travelling, and is more than grateful for the treatment and care he received.
“I can’t thank everyone enough, they were amazing,” he said.
A press release said, “With your help, we can focus on more promising ideas, innovations and technologies that have the potential to benefit more patients like Rupert, but can otherwise not be developed with external investment.”
Email: hello@aucklandhealthfoundation.org.nz
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Rupert Myhre (Picture Supplied)
