Stroke Program
OVERVIEW
As the designated District Stroke Centre for this region, WRH's District Stroke Centre (DSC) team and its partners work collaboratively with many local organizations and disciplines to plan and implement strategies for improving stroke care in response to local, regional and provincial identified needs and priorities.
Stroke is a devastating disease, a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, and one of the most expensive diseases to treat. Because of the vital services offered at the Ouellette Campus, services for stroke and TIA patients are coordinated through the hospital, improving cost efficiencies and delivering better care to patients in Windsor-Essex, Chatham-Kent, and Sarnia-Lambton.
The DSC Team supports health service providers and patients across the continuum of care with the best practice and a patient-centred lens.
Research clearly indicates that prevention measures, stroke treatments, and good health practices help prevent death, reduce disability, and save billions of dollars in healthcare costs. WRH, in conjunction with Erie Shores Healthcare, Hotel-Dieu Grace Healthcare, and other community agencies, is committed to providing a comprehensive best practice program to help improve stroke outcomes, while providing a continuum of care, support and critical therapies for stroke survivors and their families.
Patient Experience Survey Stroke and TIA - We would like to hear about your overall experience receiving hospital care following your recent stroke or TIA.
Services offered at WRH:
- Urgent TIA Clinic - Patients who are at risk of a stroke are referred to the Urgent TIA Clinic by their physicians. The goals of the clinic include stroke prevention and risk management. This clinic is located in the outpatient clinic area at the Ouellette Campus.
- Hyper Acute Stroke Services - Through a complex coordinated system with EMS, the WRH hyperacute stroke team delivers thrombolysis (tNK) and mechanical clot removal (EVT) both of which are time-sensitive and can significantly reduce damage caused by stroke and improve patient outcomes.
- Acute Stroke Unit - A dedicated, multidisciplinary team offers evidence-based care to stroke patients on this unit which is located on the 8th floor of the Ouellette Campus.
RESOURCES AND INFORMATION
STROKE PREVENTION & GENERAL INFORMATION
Multi-languages available
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Click on the links below for information about managing your blood pressure and ways to keep track of it.
Managing your blood pressure
Blood Pressure Log - a guide and log to help you keep track of your blood pressure
Blood Pressure/Hypertension Booklet
Blood Pressure Booklet
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Canada's Food Guide
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Booklet
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Click on the links below for information about Stroke Recovery.
Click on the links below for information about how to manage problems eating or drinking after a stroke.
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Click on the links below for information about Aphasia.
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Click on the links below for information about driving after a stroke.
Click on the links below for information about driving after a Transient Ischemic Attack.
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FAQ's
An ischemic stroke is caused by a blockage or clot in a blood vessel in your brain. The effects are different for each person depending on where the stroke occurred and how quickly you receive treatment.
Following a stroke you may have difficulty moving, communicating, and eating. You may also experience personality and mood changes. Sometimes patients recover quickly and with no permanent damage. But often the results are life-changing and require rehabilitation. |
| A TIA or transient ischemic attack is sometimes referred to as a mini-stroke. It is caused by a smaller clot that briefly blocks a blood vessel. With a TIA, stroke symptoms last less than 24 hours before disappearing. TIAs are a serious warning sign that a stroke may happen in the future. |
| tNK is a clot-busting drug. It can reduce or reverse the effects of a stroke in certain patients if given immediately after a stroke. The drug is given through an intravenous line. The medication travels to the brain where it breaks up the clot and re-opens blocked arteries. |
| For some patients, an emergency procedure called endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is used to remove the blood clot. During the procedure, a small wire is inserted into a large artery in the groin area. The wire is moved through the artery towards the clot in the brain. The guidewire and compressed mesh stent are used to "trap" and remove the blood clot. |
CONTACT US
Manager District Stroke Centre, Windsor-Essex
Kelly Hindermeier
519-254-5577, ext, 33770
Kelly.Hindermeier@wrh.on.ca