Stroke is the leading cause of adult disability in Canada, and the third leading cause of death. Of those who have a stroke 25% make a full recovery, 60% are left with some form of disability, and 15% die. Not only are these strokes devastating for the individuals who experience them, but they have tremendous impact on family, the community, and the health care system.
One of 11 Stroke Networks in the Province, the Southwestern Ontario Stroke Network (SWOSN) is comprised of a team of stroke experts who work with partner organizations to decrease the incidence of stroke and improve patient care and outcomes for people who experience stroke. Based out of the Regional Stroke Centre at University Hospital, London Health Sciences Centre in London Ontario, SWOSN’s geography spans 10 counties with a population of 1.8 million people.
Access to best practice stroke care, stroke outcomes and community reintegration have improved significantly in Southwestern Ontario because of strong partnerships across the stroke care continuum, from Primary Care to Hospitals to Community Organizations and Long-Term Care Homes. Within these organizations are teams of dedicated health care leaders and providers who are working together to improve the stroke journey and the patient and family experience.
Visit the SWOSN website www.swostroke.ca for
- Links to stroke resources and organizations
- Practical tools
- Access to stroke professional networks
- Upcoming stroke educational opportunities
