Stroke Distinction™: Leading Excellence in Stroke Care
Every second counts in stroke care. So Does the Quality Behind It.
Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability in Canada, and more than 15 million people globally experience a stroke — a life‑altering event for patients and their families. In these critical moments, timely, coordinated and safe standards of care shape a patient’s future. Accreditation Canada’s Stroke Distinction Program recognizes organizations that consistently deliver high‑quality stroke care.
Enhance client experience and improve outcomes
Mitigate risk and increase efficiency
Improve teamwork & communication
How it works
Join more than 50 organizations that have strengthened their stroke services through:
- Standards of Excellence
Grounded in Canadian Stroke Best Practice Recommendations that evaluate organizations across their Stroke System of Care, Acute Stroke Services, and Inpatient Stroke Rehabilitation. - Key Quality Indicators
Focused on quality benchmarks that support continuous quality improvement in stroke care. - Clinical Protocols
Standardized and evidence‑informed protocols that ensure timely and consistent care across the stroke continuum. - Client and Family Education
Evaluates education provided to patients and their families, promoting recovery and self‑management through the care journey. - Excellence and Innovation
Opportunity for organizations to showcase their quality improvement initiatives to enhance stroke services across their organization or network.
DOWNLOAD THE BROCHURE Recent updates to the program
Who Should Participate
Any network or hospital offering dedicated acute or inpatient rehabilitation stroke services is eligible to enroll.
Benefits to Your Organization
- Gain global recognition as a leader in stroke care
- Improved patient outcomes through evidence-informed care
- Enhanced coordination and continuity of services
- Ability to attract and retain top clinical talent
- Stronger positioning for research, innovation and funding
How It Works
Stroke Distinction takes organizations through a repeating four-year assessment cycle of continuous improvement.
Join a Growing Network of Leading Stroke Organizations
Organizations awarded Distinction in Stroke Care include:
- Alberta Health Services, Calgary Stroke Program*
- Carewest, Dr. Vernon Fanning Centre
- Foothills Medical Centre
- Alberta Health Services, Edmonton Zone Stroke Program*
- Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital
- Grey Nun Hospital
- Royal Alexandra Hospital
- University of Alberta Hospital
- Bermuda Hospitals Board
- Central South Regional Stroke Network*
- Hamilton Health Sciences, Hamilton General Hospital & Regional Rehabilitation Centre
- Hotel Dieu Shaver Health and Rehabilitation Centre
- Niagara Health System
- Waterloo Regional Health Network, @Midtown & @Chicopee
- Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CHUM)CIUSSS du Centre-Ouest-de-l’Île-de-Montréal, Hôpital Richardson
- CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l’Île-Montréal – Institut de réadaptation Gingras-Lindsay-de-Montréal
- Health PEI*
- Prince County Hospital
- Queen Elizabeth Hospital
- Hôpital de réadaptation Villa Medica inc.
- Hôpital juif de réadaptation/Jewish Rehabilitation Hospital
- Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Kingston General Hospital
- Lakeridge Health
- Mackenzie Health
- Peterborough Regional Health Centre
- Quinte Health, Belleville General Hospital
- Royal University Hospital
- Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre
- Scarborough Health Network
- Sinai Health System – Hennick Bridgepoint Hospital
- Southwestern Ontario Stroke Network*
- Bluewater Health
- Brightshores Health System
- Chatham Kent Healthcare Alliance
- Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance, Stratford General Hospital
- London Health Sciences
- St. Joseph’s Health Care London, Parkwood Institute
- St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital
- Windsor Regional Hospital
- Woodstock Hospital
- Trillium Health Partners, Mississauga Hospital
- Unity Health Toronto
- St. Michael’s Hospital
- Providence Healthcare
- University Health Network
- UHN – Toronto Rehab
- UHN – Toronto Western Hospital
- UHN – West Park Healthcare Centre
*These organizations have achieved the Integrated Stroke System of Care Award. This award illustrates the integrated approach to stroke care and involves multiple sites within the stroke network, region and/or province across the stroke continuum or care.
This stroke distinction designation represents the culmination of 18 years of hard work by everyone involved in stroke care at Quinte Health. The surveyors recognized our constant desire to improve stroke care, add new therapies, and evaluate and adjust protocols. We stand ready to do our best for our community, providing top-notch stroke care for all those impacted by stroke in the region. — Quinte Health
Ready to lead in stroke care?
Start your journey toward Stroke Distinction today.