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Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN) leads as a centre of excellence in stroke rehabilitation, delivering acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, and providing a care system for people with lived experience of stroke.
In June, WRHN received has received the prestigious Stroke Distinction™ award from Accreditation Canada signifying its commitment to delivering high-quality, evidence-based stroke care and demonstrating national leadership in this area. As part of the Central South Regional Stroke Network in Ontario, this recognition highlights WRHN’s efforts and achievements in providing outstanding stroke care for patients locally and beyond.
Stroke Distinction™ is the most rigorous and respected accreditation programs for stroke rehabilitation in Canada, assessing requirements for evidence-based protocols and standards, data submissions, education and self-management as well as innovation projects. Over a four-year assessment, it recognizes institutions and programs that meet the highest quality standards in stroke care. It celebrates organizations that deliver evidence-informed care and consistently achieve excellent patient outcomes aligned with the Canadian Stroke Best Practice Recommendations.
“Receiving Stroke Distinction is more than an award, it’s a recognition that shows we’re leading the way in providing high-quality stroke care across Canada while keeping ourselves accountable to the work that we do”, says Nicole Thomson, Vice President of Quality, Research, and Patient Experience.
“Receiving Stroke Distinction is more than an award, it’s a recognition that shows we’re leading the way in providing high-quality stroke care across Canada while keeping ourselves accountable to the work that we do.”
External peer surveyors conducted an onsite survey at the WRHN @ Midtown and Chicopee sites from May 26 to 30, 2025, to assess the quality standards of our stroke programs and services. WRHN invests in resources across the entire stroke care continuum and builds strong partnerships with district centres in the Central South Regional Stroke Network sharing successes, mentoring other community hospitals, and collaborating on patient-centred solutions.
The Central South Regional Stroke Network in Ontario is comprised of WRHN, Hamilton Health Sciences (Hamilton General Hospital), Hotel Dieu Shaver Health and Rehabilitation Centre, and Niagara Health, a connected network of district stroke centres working together to support patients. By partnering with other recognized health centres, care reaches patients where they are and when they need it most. This recognition reflects the ongoing dedication to continuous improvement and better outcomes for the communities served.
“Thank you to all WRHN team members who go above and beyond to meet the highest standards and make a meaningful impact on patients’ lives. It’s because of your commitment that we’re able to provide care that puts patients first,” says Thomson.
