Stroke Program to be Offered in Southwest Nova Scotia

A new project in southwest Nova Scotia will result in improved care for stroke patients and more education on the prevention of strokes for area residents. The project, part of a multi-year stroke strategy for Nova Scotia, was announced today, Aug. 18, by Health Minister Angus MacIsaac, while visiting the South West Nova District Health Authority.

Government has invested $500,000 this fiscal year to fund the project, one of the first to be rolled out under the strategy. With this money the province will also hire a stroke manager for the provincial cardiac program to help support district planning.

"This project will help us to enhance prevention work, acute care management, and the rehabilitation of stroke patients. The results from this work will play an important part in provincewide planning and long-term improvements to stroke care. We're really pleased that South West Nova Health has agreed to partner with us to conduct this valuable work," said Mr. MacIsaac.

The program will serve residents of Shelburne, Yarmouth, and Digby counties. It will be run by the South West Nova District Health Authority and will be a co-ordinated approach to providing services from the time a stroke patient is received in the emergency room, throughout their hospital stay and rehabilitation, and their entry back into the community. Rather than focusing solely on those who have had a stroke, the program will include education on stroke prevention and health promotion, so that residents can learn what they can do to prevent becoming stroke victims.

"Our program will focus on health promotion and stroke prevention, emergency/acute care, stroke rehabilitation and community re-integration. Our ultimate goal will be to improve the quality of life for stroke survivors and their families, including increased independence, increased mobility, return to work and increased freedom," said Blaise MacNeil, CEO of the health authority.

According to Nova Scotia's Integrated Stroke Strategy, stroke is a leading cause of death and disability in Canada. The cost to the Canadian health-care system is estimated at $3 billion annually. Risk factors contributing to stroke include smoking, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, physical inactivity and elevated cholesterol levels. Action is required now to manage the current situation and to reduce the likelihood of the anticipated epidemic.