A new Acute Stroke Unit is opening at Wanganui Hospital mid-April on the final day of 2014 Stroke Awareness Week.
"The stroke community will benefit so much with this unit," said Stroke Central Region chief executive Grace Moulton.
"All of the services come together to work as a dedicated team to provide the best possible outcome for stroke survivors."
Stroke Central Region received 97 referrals from the Wanganui area for support in the community in 2013, and they had an active case load of 125 stroke sufferers, plus a further 60 who were long term.
"I would say there would be up to 200 people who have suffered strokes and are as yet unaware of our services or do not require intensive support at this time," she said. "To have a dedicated stroke unit in Wanganui is superb. It will provide standardised care, rehabilitation and recovery.
"The community of Wanganui will know what to expect of their care."
She hoped the unit would provide a "seamless journey out into the community where we will support them to live independent lives having survived a catastrophic health event".
Whanganui District Health Board clinical nurse manager Amanda Van Elswijk said staff were delighted there would soon be equipment and a space for specialist care of stroke patients.
The Assessment, Treatment and Rehabilitation Ward (AT&R) would officially open the new unit on April 14.
The board hoped eventually to include beds specifically designed to enhance stroke care in the two double bedrooms set up for the unit.
Other specialist equipment is being trialled, and AT&R staff have been trained in acute stroke care.
Research showed stroke patients who have access to acute stroke units attached to rehabilitation wards have better long-term outcomes, Mrs Van Elswijk said.
Wanganui Hospital's discharge lounge, currently housed in the AT&R Ward, will move temporarily to the Medical Ward to make room for the new unit, which is set to be blessed on April 11.