Rupert Myhre was 30 years old when he suffered a severe stroke and, 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 for the healthy 30-year-old.

Within several hours, he was flown to Auckland City Hospital to undergo an emergency clot retrieval procedure, which Auckland DHB provides as a regional service.

Given the severity of his stroke, the procedure saved Rupert from permanent paralysis and the need for life-long care.  Following the groundbreaking 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.

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.

Remarkably, Rupert was discharged from Auckland City Hospital just seven days after his stroke.

Rupert is back working, driving and travelling, and is beyond grateful for the treatment and care he received: “I can’t thank everyone enough, they are amazing.”

Watch Rupert’s video here.

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