Hamilton Health Sciences awarded Stroke Distinction™

Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) has officially been awarded Stroke Distinction™ by Accreditation Canada in the Acute Stroke Services and Inpatient Stroke Rehabilitation Services streams of care and the Central South Regional Stroke Network, of which HHS is part, has been awarded Stroke Distinction™ in the Providing a System of Care for Persons for Lived Experience of Stroke stream. This distinction represents national recognition of our leadership and excellence in stroke care.

Stroke Distinction™ is one of the most rigorous and respected accreditation programs in Canada. It recognizes organizations that deliver evidence-informed stroke care, meet the highest standards of quality, and consistently achieve superior patient outcomes aligned with the Canadian Stroke Best Practice Recommendations.

This designation is a tremendous honour that reflects the dedication, professionalism and compassion of our entire team. Over the past year, staff, physicians, and leaders across HHS have worked tirelessly to enhance clinical protocols, strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration, and embed best practices into every aspect of our stroke care services.

As part of the evaluation process, surveyors from Accreditation Canada were on-site at HHS from May 26 to 30 to observe how we provide stroke care and to speak directly with staff, physicians, patients, and families.

Our success in achieving Stroke Distinction™ affirms what we have long known — that HHS is a centre of excellence in stroke care and a place where patients receive care that is innovative, person-centred and grounded in clinical excellence.

HHS pursued this important quality initiative in collaboration with partners in the Central South Regional Stroke Network, including Hotel Dieu Shaver Health and Rehabilitation Centre, Waterloo Regional Health Network at Midtown and at Chicopee, and Niagara Health, Niagara Falls site. While each organization was independently evaluated, our shared commitment to improving stroke care across the region has made this achievement even more meaningful.