Community News

                  The first-ever Virtual HPE Community Stroke Partners Expo was held on February 23rd, 2021. Sixteen community agencies from across Hastings Prince Edward County and beyond shared information with the attending health care providers about the services they offer to stroke survivors and their families. This project was a partnership with the University of Ottawa who hosted the event using their OnAir virtual conference platform.

             The Canadian Stroke Best Practice Recommendations (2020) advises that all “members of the healthcare team engaged with people with stroke and their families are responsible for partnerships and collaborations to ensure successful transitions and return to the community following stroke.” Within the southeast, we have been working to integrate and sustain effective navigation supports forall healthcare providers involved in post-stroke navigation.  Following up on earlier work, the Stroke Network of Southeastern Ontario hosted a virtual workshop in April which welcomed 58 partic

        “Involvement in decision-making is important.

            Since the initiation of the Community Stroke Rehab Program (CSRP) in 2009, admissions to the program have essentially doubled.  Data from the current annual evaluation report demonstrated variations between urban/rural geographies.   Various data points (e.g., visit averages, referral rates, wait times for initial therapy service) help to inform quality improvement.  The report and infographic also include key messages for rehab providers.   The CSRP provides enhanced rehab intensity for up to 12 weeks following discharge from hospital.  Therapy services include PT, OT, SLP and

             According to the 2020 annual report and infographic, an increasing number of stroke survivors are participating in stroke support programs offered by the community support agencies in this region.

Stroke support groups in the southeast provide a variety of supportive services to stroke survivors and caregivers.  For members of these groups, meetings are an opportunity to share experiences, learn about stroke and caregiving, get connected to resources and reduce social isolation.   While at this writing, limited in-person stroke support meetings have resumed, the COVID trajectory remains uncertain making virtual care an important component in a multi-faceted care approach.  It may well become a preferred intervention in other situations (e.g., geographical isolation, seasonal weather

Just in time learning support through linkage with another stroke clinician has been part of the stroke network’s education support for several years.  These Shared Work Days are often used in the community rehab setting to support clinicians.  These opportunities are helping clinicians support each other with more complex clients to ensure progress in rehabilitation goals.   During the COVID-19 pandemic the stroke network has continued to support clinicians to learn from one another even if it cannot be face to face!  “I greatly appreciate this opportunity and I know the client did as well

The annual Community Stroke Rehab Program Report and accompanying Infographic provides an overview of the Community Stroke Rehabilitation Program (CSRP) since service inception in 2009 and reflects the most recent fiscal year data (April 1 – March 31).  The Report also includes key reminders for health care providers to ensure optimization of the Program.Key highlights in the 2018/19 report included:447 referrals to the CSRP (a 19% increase from the previous fiscal)Median age ranges of 71 for males and 77 for femalesClients received an average of 15 therapy visitsIncreased number of Communi

The annual Southeastern Ontario Regional Stroke Support Groups Report has been released as well as an Infographic.  The Southeast Ontario Stroke Support Groups are funded by the South East LHIN and are all professionally facilitated.  Presently, groups are held in Kingston, Sydenham, Napanee, Trenton, Picton, Belleville, Perth and Brockville.  Models across the region include stroke survivor, caregiver, couples, social/recreational and transition groups.

Community partners have worked collaboratively to support Adults with Aphasia in the community.  In Belleville, Community Care for South Hastings and Quinte & District Rehabilitation have partnered to provide the Belleville Aphasia Conversation Group (ACG); VON Greater Kingston (VON) has partnered with Kaymar Rehabilitation Inc.