Stroke Care in Niagara
- February 2004
- Français
Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability across Canada, and Niagara is no exception. Our aging population in Niagara is associated with an increased number of strokes and to help combat the higher-than-average stroke rates, the Niagara Health System (NHS) is firmly committed to improving stroke care in Niagara.
Fast facts on Stroke
- Last year approximately 650 patients with strokes presented to NHS acute care hospitals
- Last year approximately 200 patients with Transient Ischemic Attacks or minor stroke presented to NHS acute care hospitals
- NHS average length of stay in hospital for stroke clients not requiring rehabilitation is approximately 7 days
- Approximately 15-20% of patients admitted to an NHS hospital with stroke transfer to Shaver/Rehab Site for active rehabilitation prior to discharge. The Average length of stay for these patients is approximately 42 days.
The Niagara Health System Stroke Program
Why is this program so important?
The high numbers of emergency patients admitted with minor strokes or Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIA – stroke symptoms lasting less than 24 hours) and strokes makes it critical to co-ordinate stroke care services. Stroke care is constantly changing due to new research findings, and to maintain a high standard of care, a co-ordinated approach is necessary.
What is the NHS doing for stroke care?
Following the publication of: Towards An Integrated Stroke Strategy for Ontario: Report of the Joint Stroke Strategy Working Group in June 2000, the NHS looked to the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care (MOHLTC) for specialized stroke care designation. As a result, two hospitals in our largest cities, St. Catharines General Site and Greater Niagara General Site (Niagara Falls), have been designated District Stroke Centres. Greater Niagara General Site has also been designated as a Stroke Prevention Clinic.
What do these designations mean for Niagara?
Being a District Stroke Centre means a co-ordinated approach to stroke care is followed that stresses the use of proven research in all areas of stroke care from the Emergency room to community support following discharge. The stroke prevention clinic provides support and urgent access to stroke prevention services for clients coming to medical offices and emergency departments with symptoms of TIA.
Current NHS Projects
One of the research projects that an acute stroke client may come in contact with at the NHS is the Dysphagia Pilot Project. Dysphagia means difficulty swallowing, and this condition occurs in almost half of stroke clients. The pilot project is a collaborative effort with both the University of Toronto and Mohawk College, funded by the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario and MOHLTC. The primary goal of this project is to ensure effective and efficient management of acute stroke clients with dysphagia. Upon completion of this project, the participating sites of the NHS will have swallowing screening teams and protocols available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Standardized dysphagia management across the NHS will reduce aspiration and medical complications. Following a review of the study results, our partners will share the educational course components across Ontario to ensure consistent dysphagia management in the acute care setting.
The Stroke Rehabilitation Pilot Project is another example of our research commitment. The goal of this project is to create a system that provides stroke clients with appropriate and timely access to stroke rehabilitation. Acute stroke clients at the smaller hospitals of the NHS may be involved in this project, which is co-ordinated by Hamilton Health Sciences and funded through MOHLTC. Upon completion of this project, the team will have developed an evidence-based rehabilitation assessment and triage process.
Acute care and rehabilitation generally receive the most attention with respect to stroke care. The community support piece is the most difficult to sustain. The Niagara area has many survivors of stroke and until recently a support group for clients and their caregivers did not exist. Starting in June 2003, with corporate sponsorship, a group of stroke survivors from the Shaver/Rehab Outpatient Stroke Program, in collaboration with Karen Hoar, Stroke Program Senior and Vikki Brown, Manager of the Stroke Program at Shaver/Rehab Site, initiated Survivors of Stroke Niagara (SOS Niagara). This group meets once a month to discuss their successes and challenges since having a stroke, and to socialize. Often they bring in guest speakers on stroke-related topics. This group provides a forum for both clients and caregivers to share in a supportive environment.
Want to learn more?
The Niagara Health System looks to improve quality of life by both preventing stroke occurrence and treating stroke, based on proven research across all areas of care from the Emergency Department to the Community. As our region continues to attract those in their retirement years, it is more important than ever that we enhance stroke care. For more information, contact Leanne Hammond, District Stroke Centre Co-ordinator at 905-378-4647 ext. 55557.