Vaughan/Richmond Hill, ON – Once again, Mackenzie Health has earned high praise from an independent third party evaluator of its programs and services – an accomplishment well worth celebrating during National Stroke Awareness Month.
The Ontario Stroke Evaluation Report 2013, compiled by the Ontario Stroke Network and the Institute of Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES) and released on June 27, 2013, acknowledges the progress made in the Central Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) in stroke care delivery, reflected in the lower number of patients being readmitted to hospital within 30 days, and recognizes Mackenzie Health as a high performer in delivering stroke prevention services.
Mackenzie Health is the lead organization for the Central LHIN Stroke Prevention Strategy, a network of hospital-based stroke prevention clinics that expedite the assessment, diagnostics and treatments required to prevent a full stroke in patients with warning strokes (TIAs). Clinic patients are then referred to cardiovascular rehabilitation services to learn and maintain stroke prevention lifestyles.
In March 2013, Mackenzie Health was awarded “Stroke Distinction” Status, making it one of only four hospitals in Canada to seek this recognition and the only Ontario organization to receive both acute and rehab stroke accreditation. The Stroke Services Distinction program, developed by Accreditation Canada and the Canadian Stroke Network, recognizes organizations that demonstrate clinical excellence and an outstanding commitment to leadership in stroke care. Mackenzie Health met all protocols and was commended for its use of Stroke Best Practices and innovation.
New Online Resources for Stroke Patients and Their Families
In an effort to provide innovative care and provide accessible resources, Mackenzie Health recently created an online Patient and Family Stroke Resource Centre. Traditional ways of educating patients in hospital using, brochures, pamphlets and unit-based education sessions are increasingly not meeting the needs of patients at risk for stroke, stroke survivors and their families and caregivers. The online resource centre, available on the Mackenzie Health website, www.mackenziehealth.ca/stroke, contains a variety of links to trusted information and programs to assist in the prevention and management of stroke.
The latest addition to the online resource centre is the series of eight education sessions video recorded by the Integrated Stroke Unit (ISU) team. For families unable to attend classes on the ISU during the day, these sessions allow families to access best practice information at their convenience. Furthermore, not only can Mackenzie Health help to educate patients and caregivers on a variety of topics, 24/7, but also far beyond York Region. The videos target patients, families and caregivers, providing them with resources to understand the causes and effects of stroke, dysphagia, rehabilitation, secondary stroke prevention, as well as the emotional impact of stroke and financial and community services available.
“After my husband suffered a stroke, we were concerned and had many questions. But the staff at Mackenzie Health helped us tremendously – they are not just caregivers, they are cheerleaders,” says Dawn Saint Chung, whose husband has been receiving care at Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital. “From cleaning staff to doctors, they all worked like a team, provided amazing care and went above and beyond to help us. They responded to all of our questions and directed us to valuable resources, such as the Stroke Educational Videos. They made it easy for us and our entire family to understand what was happening and what to expect, and we are very grateful to them,” added Dawn.
Videos Reach Global Audiences
Since posting in March 2013, the videos have had over 1300 views across 30 countries, including in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Portugal, South Africa, Sweden and Turkey. The Stroke Education Videos are a great example of how Mackenzie Health is working relentlessly to improve care to create healthier communities, not only locally, but globally. To access the series, please visit http://www.youtube.com/MackenzieHealthVideo.
For more information on stroke practices at Mackenzie Health, please visit the York Region District Stroke Centre web page on Mackenzie Health’s website or call the Coordinator of the District Stroke Centre at 905-883-1212 ext. 3882 or the Integrated Stroke Unit Patient Care Coordinator at 905-883-1212 ext. 3899, or fax 905-883-2026.
Quotes
“Mackenzie Health patients and their families have the right to receive the best possible care available, and this what the District Stroke Centre is offering. The ‘Stroke Distinction’ is a well-deserved recognition that acknowledges Mackenzie Health’s leadership and excellence in this specialty, a step forward towards achieving our goal of creating a world-class health experience.”
- Jo-anne Marr, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Mackenzie Health, Chair of the Central East Stroke Network Regional Steering Committee and member of the Ontario Stroke Network Board of Directors.
“A stroke is frightening and confusing for a patient as well as the family. Our educational videos help people in our communities – and beyond – understand what they are going through, how to prepare for rehabilitation and deal with the life changes. The on-line resource centre also helps to raise awareness about stroke and how to avoid them, since 80 per cent of all strokes are preventable.”
- Judy Murray, Coordinator, District Stroke Centre, Mackenzie Health
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