Healthcare Providers from Primary Care and the Stroke Prevention Clinic in the KFLA area came together on June 24, 2024 for a local engagement and education session. The goal of the session was to share information, discuss roles and supports, and identify challenges and opportunities related to primary and secondary stroke prevention.
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The Stroke Network of Southeastern Ontario wants to congratulate the Providence Care Outpatient Stroke Rehabilitation Program team for their successful program launch! The multidisciplinary team shown above, pictured left to right, includes Olivia Manning (Project Coordinator/Physiotherapist (PT), Zanna Farmer, Occupational Therapist (OT), Jen Tam, Physiotherapist (PT), Nick Van Lier Social Worker (MSW/RSW), Sheryl Gibson, Program Supervisor, and Teresa Whalen, Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) in addition not present for the photo are therapy assistant(s) Allie Palmer, Deanna Mallette, Megan Dijkema (OTA/PTA). The program will soon include a Communication Disorders Assistant (CDA) another important allied health professional in stroke care.
The workshop, “Communicating with Persons with Aphasia: Putting it Into Practice”, was hosted at Providence Care Hospital in Founder’s Hall. The 58 participants included a variety of health care providers from acute care, rehabilitation, complex continuing care, outpatient and community programs, long-term care and other related settings. The large number of participants demonstrated the keen interest of those who care for people with aphasia to learn more and refresh their knowledge and skills
We are pleased to announce that Natalie Aitken will be joining our team in the role of Regional Stroke Rehabilitation Coordinator, Stroke Network of Southeastern Ontario. Natalie will begin in the role on July 22, 2024 where she can be reached at Natalie.Aitken@kingstonhsc.ca; and phone 613-583-5968.
June is Stroke Awareness Month and there is much to celebrate! The stroke care system in our region is well established and continues to improve. This is supported by the ongoing commitment and compassion of everyone working in stroke care in our region, across the full continuum of care. To celebrate Stroke month, there are many events going on at National and Local levels. Stroke Survivor Support Groups are working with local Community Support Agencies to help get key messages out again this year!
We have great news for persons with stroke leaving hospital who require rehabilitation! Community Stroke Rehabilitation (CSR) programs at Providence Care Hospital, Quinte Health, Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital and Home and Community Care Support Services South East have each received new and ongoing funding to expand services.
On March 7th, 2024, the Stroke Network held a local engagement and education session with primary care providers in the Perth and Smiths Falls area. The goal of this event was to share information about primary and secondary stroke prevention and to discuss challenges and opportunities specific to that part of the region.
The event showcased current evidence-based practices in primary and secondary stroke prevention. Information was shared about approaches across the continuum in supporting primary care with stroke prevention. Collaborative discussions with primary care providers focused first on challenges and then brainstorming opportunities to address these challenges
With the recent announcement of Cally Martin’s upcoming retirement in August, we are pleased to announce that Shelley Huffman will be stepping into the position of Regional Director, Stroke Network of Southeastern Ontario, starting June 3, 2024. This will provide overlap for orientation while Shelley also covers the Rehabilitation Coordinator role. Recruitment is underway for the Rehab Coordinator position.
On November 22, 2023- the Stroke Network held a local engagement and education session with physicians and other primary care providers in the Brockville area. The goal of this event was to share information about primary and secondary stroke prevention, and to host a discussion about challenges and opportunities that exist specific to Leeds and Grenville counties
“Getting to the stroke unit made all the difference- I knew I could relax a bit knowing [family member] was well cared for.”
A person who experiences a stroke is more likely to survive, recover, and return home when early stroke care is provided by a specialized team in an Acute Stroke Unit. Ontario Health - CorHealth Ontario has been leading a provincial project on Stroke Unit Care. An Ontario Stroke Unit Definition was released in June 2023 outlining ten key components of acute stroke unit care.