Stroke journey

At NL Health Services, we provide high-quality, personalized stroke care to help individuals regain independence and improve their quality of life. From inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation to community support services, our team works together to offer care suited to each patient’s needs. We’re here to support you every step of the way, from immediate recovery to long-term rehabilitation, ensuring you have the resources and guidance needed for your recovery journey. 

Every second counts 

The first moments after a stroke are critical to achieving the best possible outcomes. At NL Heath Services, our hyper-acute stroke teams work quickly to provide essential care, starting with Emergency Medical Services (EMS). 

Quick response by EMS paramedics 

When a stroke is suspected, EMS paramedics play a vital role in saving critical time. Paramedics are trained to recognize stroke symptoms and using specialized assessment tools, they can initiate a Code Stroke. This ensures patients are quickly transported to one of the 12 designated Category A stroke emergency department sites across Newfoundland and Labrador. 

Click on each site for location details: 

• Health Sciences Centre, St. John’s
• St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital, St. John’s
• Dr. G.B. Cross Memorial Hospital, Clarenville
• Carbonear General Hospital, Carbonear
• Burin Peninsula Health Centre, Burin
• James Paton Memorial Regional Health Centre, Gander
• Central Newfoundland Regional Health Centre, Grand Falls-Windsor
• Western Memorial Regional Hospital, Corner Brook
• Sir Thomas Roddick Hospital, Stephenville
• Charles S. Curtis Memorial Hospital, St. Anthony
• Labrador West Health Centre, Labrador City
• Labrador Health Centre, Happy Valley–Goose Bay

 

Emergency Care at Stroke Sites 

At these hospitals, emergency departments are equipped to receive hyper-acute stroke patients, with the necessary medical imaging, interventions, and treatments available. Patients who are eligible for treatment within 4.5 hours of symptom onset may receive clot-busting drugs such as tenecteplase (TNK) or tissue plasminogen activator (TPA). 

For those who qualify for Endovascular Thrombectomy (EVT), they will be transported to the comprehensive stroke centre located at the Health Sciences Centre in St. John’s for advanced care. 

What is Endovascular Thrombectomy (EVT)? 

Endovascular Thrombectomy (EVT) is a time-sensitive procedure that involves removing large blood clots from brain vessels using specialized equipment. This procedure is essential for patients with ischemic stroke who meet specific eligibility criteria, expanding treatment windows and even allowing patients on blood thinners to be treated. EVT is performed by a neuro-interventional radiologist and the interventional radiology team at the Health Sciences Centre in St. John’s. 

Acute Stroke Care  

At NL Health Services, we provide high-quality and compassionate care for you after a stroke. We provide personalized, comprehensive care throughout your recovery to help you regain independence and improve your quality of life. 

Stroke Units and Stroke Designated Floors 

After a stroke, you will be admitted to a hospital with a stroke unit or a hospital with an appropriate floor where you will stay while you recover from your stroke. 

There are two designated stroke units in NL Health Services: 

• Health Sciences Centre (4 South B), Eastern Urban Zone 

• Western Regional Memorial Hospital, Western Zone 

 

Patients admitted to hospitals without a designated stroke unit will be located on a floor chosen for stroke recovery.   

 Interprofessional Stroke Care Teams 

Our stroke care teams consist of a wide range of health-care professionals working together to provide comprehensive care. These teams may include: 

• Physicians, 

• nursing staff (nurse practitioners, registered nurses and licensed practical nurses), 

• speech language pathologists, 

• occupational therapists, 

• physiotherapists, 

• physiotherapy assistants, 

• dietitians, 

• recreational therapists, 

• personal care attendants, and 

• patients and their caregivers. 

Each team member plays a vital role in ensuring the best possible recovery for our patients. 

Recovery Through Collaboration 

Using nationally endorsed tools and processes, our team focuses on maximizing recovery and preventing complications. We collaborate with patients and their families to set recovery goals, create personalized treatment plans, and prepare for the next phase of care. 

Our commitment is to support you every step of the way, from your time in acute care to the transition into rehabilitation and recovery. We know that every stroke recovery journey is unique, and our team is here to guide you through each phase, ensuring you feel prepared and supported for the next steps in your recovery. 

Empowering Recovery 

Stroke rehabilitation is a critical step in recovery, helping you regain independence and improve your quality of life. At NL Health Services, we are committed to supporting you in reaching your full potential throughout your recovery journey.  

Whether rehabilitation is provided through inpatient or outpatient services, you will receive personalized care that is the most appropriate treatment for your needs. We work with you and your families to help you find and reach your best level of physical, mental, and social well-being. 

We address your biological, psychological, and social needs, ensuring care is tailored to your unique challenges. Our approach emphasizes: 

• empowering you and your families through information and education 

• promoting independence and social integration and 

• providing a client-focused, partnership-based approach to recovery. 

Inpatient Stroke Rehabilitation 

Inpatient rehabilitation services are available at two locations: 

• Dr. L.A. Miller Centre (St. John’s) 

• Western Regional Memorial Hospital (Corner Brook) 

Each rehabilitation unit is staffed by an interprofessional team that includes: 

• physicians and/or physiatrists (a physician who specializes in rehabilitation); 

• nursing staff (nurse practitioners, registered nurses and licensed practical nurses); 

• social workers; 

• occupational therapists; 

• physiotherapists; 

• dietitians; 

• speech language pathologists; and 

• personal care attendants. 

These teams work together to develop customized rehabilitation plans that focus on regaining physical, cognitive, and emotional independence. 

Our outpatient services are designed to continue the rehabilitation process in a more flexible setting, enabling you to receive care while living at home or in your community. 

Outpatient rehabilitation is available throughout the province in various venues and locations.

 

Community Stroke Care 

While you recover from a stroke, you may receive support in the community through a variety of providers, including nursing, personal care, respite services, team-based community rehabilitation, or discipline-specific care. Your care team will ensure that appropriate referrals are made to community services in your area, tailored to meet your specific needs. 

After Stroke Program 

The After Stroke Program offered by the March of Dimes Canada is an essential community partner of NL Health Services. This personalized recovery program helps stroke survivors, and their families, navigate the journey after a stroke. The program provides valuable resources and guidance to help you move forward. 

Referrals to the After Stroke Program can be made by a health-care team member, or individuals and families can self-refer. To learn more, visit After Stroke. 

 

 

Community Supports and Resources 

Navigating Stroke Services in Your Community 

Finding stroke services and professionals in your community can be challenging. To make this easier, we offer the Stroke Community and Rehabilitation Services Support Map.  9Jenny, we don’t have this at the moment.)