Photo courtesy of: PRHC
Peterborough Regional Health Centre has once again been recognized as a national leader in stroke care after receiving Stroke Distinction from Accreditation Canada for the third consecutive time.
The designation is awarded through a specialized accreditation program developed in partnership with Heart and Stroke Canada and is based on rigorous standards, performance indicators and best practices in stroke prevention, treatment and recovery.
As the designated District Stroke Centre for the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge region, PRHC provides specialized stroke care and leadership through the Central East Stroke Network.
The hospital says the recognition reflects its commitment to delivering coordinated, evidence-based care, supporting ongoing education and training, collaborating with community partners and continuously improving services for stroke patients.
“Our Stroke Program at PRHC does an incredible job of caring for patients,” said Noel Bennett, executive vice-president of clinical services and chief nursing executive at PRHC.
Bennett credited a multidisciplinary team that includes emergency department staff, diagnostic imaging professionals, intensive care specialists, stroke unit staff, rehabilitation therapists, social workers, speech-language professionals, dietitians, volunteers and patient experience partners.
“They all work closely together to provide the specialized stroke knowledge and high-quality care our patients need, closer to home,” Bennett said.
During a site visit in May, Accreditation Canada surveyors highlighted several areas of excellence within the program. Among them was PRHC’s early adoption of Tenecteplase, a clot-busting medication used in the treatment of acute stroke patients.
Surveyors also praised an innovative partnership aimed at improving stroke care in long-term care settings. Developed in collaboration with second-year nursing students at Trent University, the initiative provides targeted stroke education to long-term care homes throughout the region.
PRHC President and CEO Dr. Lynn Mikula said the distinction reflects the organization’s ongoing commitment to innovation and patient care.
“Stroke Distinction is an outstanding achievement, and yet another example of how the PRHC team is here for patients and families when they need us most,” Mikula said.
She added that the recognition demonstrates how the hospital continues to distinguish itself through transformation, adaptation and innovation in healthcare delivery.
Stroke remains one of the leading causes of disability and death in Canada, with rapid access to specialized treatment often playing a critical role in patient outcomes. Hospital officials say the latest accreditation confirms PRHC’s ability to provide high-quality stroke care close to home for residents across the region.
