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Bluewater Health receives Stroke Distinction award

Journal staff Bluewater Health recently earned ‘Distinction in Stroke Services’ from Accreditation Canada’s Stroke Distinction program, the hospital announced.
Stroke
Son, Dan Byelis, stands with his mother, Anica Byelis, surrounded by her care team in Bluewater Health’s Inpatient Rehabilitation unit (Bluewater Health photo).

Journal staff

Bluewater Health recently earned ‘Distinction in Stroke Services’ from Accreditation Canada’s Stroke Distinction program, the hospital announced.

The award recognizes health organizations that demonstrate clinical excellence and an outstanding commitment to leadership in stroke care.

“Achieving this award showcases Bluewater Health’s demonstrated clinical excellence and an outstanding commitment to leadership in best-in-practice stroke care,” vice president of clinical services, Laurie Zimmer said in a news release. “We are so proud of all of the interdisciplinary teams involved in this work, including our strong relationships with community partners. All of our collective hard work and dedication is improving overall outcomes for patients and families dealing with stroke.”

The hospital was one of nine stroke centres in the Southwestern Ontario Stroke Network that applied for the award.

During a three-day visit in November, an accreditation survey team evaluated Bluewater Health’s programs and services with staff, physicians, patient experience partners, patients and families, and focus groups.

“During their time here, the survey team noted that Bluewater Health was unanimously praised by care providers, community and patient experience partners for their team-based approach to care, overall quality of stroke services provided, including rapid access to treatment options and specialized stroke unit care,” the news release noted.

Bluewater Health’s Stroke Program was recognized for: achievement of performance indicator thresholds; implementation of stroke protocols for clinical practices; commitment to excellence and innovation; commitment to client and family education; and Degree of compliance with Accreditation Canada Standards.

In 2021-22, Bluewater Health had 1,039 patient visits to the Secondary Stroke Prevention Clinic, admitted 171 patients with stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) to the acute stroke unit – and 95 of those patients required inpatient rehabilitation.


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