Research at Peninsula Health aims to reduce these rates and improve stoke treatment and services.

A free public forum on strokes to be held as part of the health service's annual Celebrating Research event features the head of stroke services at The Alfred hospital, Dr Judith Frayne, and a senior lecturer at Monash University's Faculty of Medicine, Dr Ian Mosley.

Presentations on research and treatment will be given by Peninsula Health's director of research, Associate Professor John Botha, and the head of neurology, Associate Professor Ernie Butler.

Associate Professor Botha said staff were working to improve the outcomes for patients who have had - or who were at risk of suffering - a stroke.

"This community forum will explore some of the contributing factors to cardiovascular disease, which can result in both heart attack and stroke.

"It will focus on research being undertaken locally that aims to improve clinical practice."

The forum starts at 5pm on Thursday, November 5, at Monash University's Frankston campus, lecture theatre F1.01, near George Jenkins Theatre.

Tea and coffee will be provided and bookings are recommended to 9788 1474 by next Monday.

For information on the forum or research, call 9788 1474.