Stroke Services at Sault Area Hospital

Acute Stroke: Occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is suddenly interrupted, either due to a blocked artery (ischemic stroke) or a burst blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke). This interruption prevents oxygen and nutrients from reaching brain tissue, leading to the rapid death of brain cells. Immediate medical attention is critical to reduce brain damage and improve outcomes.
Transient ischemic attack (TIA): Often called a mini-stroke, is a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain. Unlike a full stroke, the symptoms of a TIA typically resolve within minutes to a few hours without permanent damage. However, a TIA is a serious warning sign and indicates a high risk of a future stroke.

Telestroke and Hyperacute Stroke Treatment

Sault Area Hospital (SAH) is a designated Telestroke site, meaning our physicians and patients have 24/7 access to a network of stroke neurologists across Ontario through the Ontario Telemedicine Network (OTN). This advanced system allows for real-time video consultations, enabling rapid assessment and decision-making in cases of acute stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA).

SAH is fully equipped to provide hyperacute treatment for eligible patients experiencing an acute stroke or TIA. This includes the administration of thrombolytic medication, commonly known as clot-busting drugs. These medications work by dissolving the blood clot that is obstructing blood flow to the brain, but must be given within a narrow window of time from symptom onset—making rapid assessment and treatment essential.

Through our Telestroke partnership with stroke specialists across Ontario, SAH ensures that patients receive expert stroke care that aligns with best practice as quickly and efficiently as possible, improving the chances of recovery and reducing long-term disability.

Acute Stroke Unit

The Acute Stroke Unit (3C) at Sault Area Hospital (SAH) provides specialized, focused care for patients who have experienced an acute stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). As part of our commitment to providing high-quality stroke care, the Acute Stroke Unit is staffed by a multidisciplinary team trained in evidence-based stroke treatment and rehabilitation practices.

The Acute Stroke Unit is designed to deliver intensive monitoring and treatment during the critical early phase following a stroke. Studies show that care provided in a dedicated stroke unit leads to better outcomes, including reduced complications, shorter hospital stays, and improved functional recovery.

At SAH, stroke patients receive coordinated care from a team that may include:

  • Physicians and hospitalists with stroke expertise

  • Nurses with advanced stroke care training

  • Physiotherapists and occupational therapists

  • Speech-language pathologists

  • Registered Dietitian 

  • Social workers and discharge planners

  • Pharmacists 

This collaborative team works closely with each patient and their family to develop personalized care plans that support recovery and transition to home or further rehabilitation.

Stroke Prevention Clinic

The Stroke Prevention Clinic at Sault Area Hospital (SAH) provides comprehensive care for individuals who have experienced an acute stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), or a suspected stroke or TIA. Our goal is to reduce the risk of future strokes through expert assessment, investigation, education, and ongoing follow-up.

The Stroke Prevention Clinic cares for patients who have:

  • Recently experienced a stroke or TIA

  • Symptoms suggestive of a possible stroke or TIA

  • Been discharged from the hospital following acute stroke treatment

The clinic is staffed by a dedicated team including:

  • Specialized Stroke Nurses

  • Internal Medicine Physicians with expertise in Stroke Care

  • Administrative support that coordinates patient appointments and follow up

This multidisciplinary team works closely to ensure every patient receives individualized, evidence-based care.

Inpatient Rehabilitation

After a stroke, many patients require additional support to regain strength, mobility, and independence. At Sault Area Hospital (SAH), we provide dedicated inpatient rehabilitation to help patients recover and return to daily life as safely and independently as possible.

Once a patient has been medically stabilized in our Acute Stroke Unit, they may be transferred to one of our Inpatient Rehabilitation Units (2B or 2C) for focused stroke rehabilitation. This transition marks an important step in the recovery journey, where the goal shifts from acute treatment to restoring function and independence.

Our interprofessional rehabilitation team works collaboratively to develop personalized care plans based on each patient’s specific needs and recovery goals. The team may include:

  • Physicians

  • Nurses trained in rehabilitation

  • Physiotherapists

  • Occupational therapists

  • Speech-language pathologists

  • Social workers

  • Registered Dietitian 

  • Rehabilitation assistants

This team provides therapy and support focused on improving movement, speech, cognition, and self-care skills.

Outpatient Rehabilitation

Recovery from a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) doesn’t stop at hospital discharge. For many patients, continued therapy and support are essential for regaining function and independence. At Sault Area Hospital (SAH), we offer a range of outpatient rehabilitation services to support stroke recovery at home and in the community.

After being discharged from the hospital—whether from the Acute Stroke Unit or Inpatient Rehabilitation—patients may be referred to our Outpatient Rehabilitation Program to continue their recovery.

This program is ideal for individuals who are medically stable and living at home but still require therapy to improve strength, coordination, speech, or daily functioning.

SAH offers access to specialized outpatient rehabilitation services, including:

  • Physiotherapy – to improve strength, balance, walking, and overall mobility

  • Occupational Therapy – to help patients regain independence with daily tasks like dressing, cooking, and returning to work or hobbies

  • Speech-Language Pathology – to support recovery of speech, language, communication, and swallowing abilities

Our team works with each patient to set meaningful recovery goals and develop individualized treatment plans. Outpatient therapy may take place over several weeks or months, depending on the patient’s needs and progress.

The goal of outpatient rehabilitation is to:

  • Continue functional recovery

  • Promote independence in daily life

  • Prevent complications or further decline

  • Support return to community, work, or recreational activities

SAH’s Outpatient Stroke Rehabilitation Program plays a vital role in the continuum of stroke care. By providing focused therapy and education after discharge, we help patients maintain their momentum and improve their quality of life.