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About Southwestern Ontario Stroke Strategy

Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in Canada. Each year, between 40,000 and 50,000 Canadians experience a stroke. 15% of those who experience a stroke die, and 75% are left with some degree of disability.

In Southwestern Ontario, stroke sends more than 2800 individuals to regional emergency departments each year.

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.

The good news is that in Southwestern Ontario, a team of committed health care providers and organizations are working together to decrease the incidence of stroke and improve patient care and outcomes for people who experience stroke - ensuring that all Ontarians have access to appropriate, quality stroke care in a timely manner.

The Regional Stroke Centre for the Southwestern Ontario Region is located at University Hospital, London Health Sciences Centre. District Stroke Centres are located in Owen Sound (Grey Bruce Health Services), Stratford (Huron Perth Health Alliance), Sarnia (Bluewater Health), Chatham (Chatham Kent Health Alliance) and Windsor (Hotel-Dieu Grace Hospital). These centres serve the following areas: Grey, Bruce, Huron, Perth, Oxford, Middlesex, and Elgin Counties, which compromise most of the Southwest Local Health Integration Network (LHIN), and Sarnia-Lambton, Chatham-Kent, and Windsor Essex - which compromise the Erie St. Clair LHIN.

The Southwestern Ontario Stroke Strategy has launched a new website at www.swostroke.ca. This site primarily features information for health care professionals dedicated to stroke prevention and the enhancement of stroke care. Stroke patients and their families will find general information about the signs and symptoms of stroke and links to useful community services. Please visit us at our new online location!