For a third time in a row, the stroke team at the Richardson Hospital has been honoured with the Stroke Distinction award by Accreditation Canada. This award highlights the extraordinary teamwork and outstanding commitment of each member of the stroke team. Having first received the distinction in 2013, it was awarded again to the Richardson in 2015.
Stroke Distinction is a rigorous and highly specialized program developed in partnership with Heart and Stroke Canada. Hospitals that receive the recognition from the healthcare accreditation body are committed to excellence and quality, best practices, and continuous improvement.
“Our team’s dedication to our patients is incredible,” says Nancy Cox, Rehabilitation Coordinator for Adult Motor Disability programs. “Being recognized by Accreditation Canada for a third time confirms that we are on the right track, and that we need to continuously innovate to ensure the maximum recovery our patients can achieve.”
One of the Richardson’s initiatives noted by Accreditation Canada was the Early Supported Discharge pilot project for stroke clients in CIUSSS West-Central Montreal’s territory. Launched by the stroke team in 2017, the project (commonly known by the French Congé Précoce Assisté, or CPA) focuses on offering rehabilitation services in the client’s home environment similar to in-patient care. This frees up beds to serve more patients who do not qualify for early discharge, and reduces hospital stays.
Richardson’s pilot project, a first in Quebec, was a success and other Montreal CIUSSS’s were asked to take part.
Accreditation Canada also highlighted the many improvements implemented by the Richardson stroke team since 2015, such as increasing services and making them more accessible; strengthening links to community programs; preventing and controlling infections; and improving the patient-partner experience.
A celebration of the Stroke Distinction award took place at the Richardson Hospital on November 7. Congratulations to all involved for this outstanding achievement!
