History

In early 1997, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario convened a group of stroke experts from across Ontario and developed a framework for stroke care in the province. Through its work, the Heart and Stroke Foundation became aware of several local efforts to address the issues of enhancing stroke care. It was agreed that a collaborative project to develop and test the model of stroke care would maximize the impact of these efforts. As a result, the Heart and Stroke Foundation championed the Coordinated Stroke Strategy to develop and test a regionally based model of coordinated stroke care spanning the full continuum of care.

Four geographic areas served as demonstration sites for a three-year pilot project called, "The Coordinated Stroke Strategy," which was launched in 1998: London Health Sciences Centre (South West), Hamilton Health Sciences Corporation (Central West), Queen's University Care Delivery Network (South East) and the West GTA.

In June 2000, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care allocated up to $70 million for the four-year implementation phase to support the development of a provincial stroke strategy, the Ontario Stroke System. The success of the Coordinated Stroke Strategy was a major factor in the Ministry's commitment to a province-wide strategy for organizing stroke care.

In 2000, a joint working group of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and the Heart and Stroke Foundation produced, Towards An Integrated Stroke Strategy for Ontario, Report of the Joint Stroke Strategy Working Group, calling for the organization of stroke care on a regional basis across the province. This document provides a detailed vision of what is meant by integrated stroke care and its benefits.

In 2003, 19 Best Practice Guidelines were developed based on a review of current evidence and extensive consultation with stroke experts across Ontario. The Best Practice Guidelines have a two-pronged objective-to ensure that everyone has access to the best possible stroke care and to provide a tool that facilitates the effective management of stroke care across the continuum.

In early 2005, a Provincial Steering Committee was established with representations from the 11 regional steering committees. The mandate of the Provincial Steering Committee was to oversee and guide the Ontario Stroke System, consistent with the guiding principles and established system of care and service delivery. Five subcommittees were established: professional education, evaluation, research, health promotion, and rehabilitation and community engagement. In addition, the Telestroke Work Group supports coordination of this innovative component, with connections between sites ensuring access to time sensitive intervention.

In May of 2008, the Provincial Steering Committee disbanded after approving the establishment of the Ontario Stroke Network, that provides leadership and coordination of the Ontario Stroke System. The newly formed Provincial Coordinating Council has hired its first Executive Director and is reviewing its committee structure to align with the established strategic directions and plan.