We've come a long way . . . together Looking back - reflections from ...

The Building Blocks of the West GTA Stroke NetworkCoordinated Stroke Strategy(CSS)The Coordinated Stroke Strategywas a three-year systems changeproject that began in 1998.The overall goal of the strategywas to ensure that all Ontarianshave access to the best possiblestroke care. The strategy involvedfour Ontario demonstration sites(one being the West GTA) to testa model of region-wide strokecare that spans the continuum ofcare. There are three majorcomponents of the CoordinatedStroke Strategy, systems change,public awareness and professionaleducation.The original West GTA groupconsisted of Humber RiverRegional Hospital, William OslerHealth Centre, St. Joseph's HealthCentre, Trillium Health Centre,West Park Healthcare Centre andCCACs for the area.The background and evaluationresults of the demonstrationproject can be viewed online at underProvincial Initiatives – Historyand Evaluation. 1One of the most significantinitiatives within the CSS,occurred when the HSFOconvened a Stroke RehabilitationConsensus Panel. These strokesurvivors, physicians, nurses,rehabilitation professionals, andcommunity representativesworked to develop a frameworkof how stroke rehabilitationservices should be provided inOntario based on the currentevidence. 2Ontario Stroke Strategy(OSS)Building on the CSS, theMOHLTC’s Ontario StrokeStrategy (OSS), a comprehensiveStroke Strategy across thecontinuum from prevention torehabilitation, was developed.Towards an Integrated StrokeStrategy 3 was released in June2000. This report is a roadmapfor stroke care in Ontario andincludes 15 recommendations forstrengthening prevention effortsand establishing a coordinatedsystem of stroke care.The shift from four demonstrationprojects (CSS) to a mandatedprovincial initiative (OSS), providesan interesting opportunityto learn more about the successfuldevelopment of coordinatedregional stroke care delivery. InFebruary 2001, the MOHLTCdesignated the first six regionalstroke centres for Ontario,including Trillium Health Centrefor the West GTA region.These centres are responsible formanaging acute stroke care,developing secondary preventionclinics, providing leadership inthe development of a rehabilitationservice delivery system andsupporting training initiatives forhealth care providers.References:1. Heart and Stroke Foundation web site 2. Report of the Stroke Rehabilitation Consensus Panel (2000). Toobtain a copy, email CSS@hsf.on.ca or call (416) 489-7111 x 456.3. Towards an Integrated Stroke Strategy (June 2000)Items 2 and 3 can be accessed online at:Publication DeadlinesNetwork partners are encouraged to submit articles for this newsletter showcasing theachievements, research and activities of their facilities. Submission deadlines for thenext issues are July 15, October 15, 2004 and January 15, 2005 respectively. Pleaseforward items to Maria Atzori, West GTA Stroke Network at matzori@thc.on.ca.West GTA S t roke NetworkA consortium of six hospital centres (CreditValley Hospital, Halton Healthcare Services,Headwaters Health Care Centre, TrilliumHealth Centre, West Park HealthcareCentre and William Osler Health Centre);plus the Community Care Access Centres ofEtobicoke-York, Halton and Peel; the Heartand Stroke Foundation of Ontario; theMinistry of Health and Long-Term Care;and Halton-Peel District Health Council, theNetwork’s goal is to implement a coordinatedapproach to stroke care throughout the WestGTA region.Funding for the Ontario Stroke Strategyis provided by the Ministry of Health andLong-Term Care.