What to expect during your admission to the Regional Stroke Unit (RSU)
Early access to a specialized stroke unit is an effective, proactive approach that saves lives and improves patient outcomes.
The Regional Stroke Unit’s specialized team of doctors, nurses, and therapists are experts in stroke. The stroke team will work closely with you and your family and or partner in care in your treatment and recovery. Although you will experience fatigue and may not feel very energetic your participation in therapy is very important for your recovery.
It is very important that you report all changes in your condition to the stroke team.
The stroke team will develop a discharge plan in consultation with you, your family and or partner in care. Part of the planning may include transfer to St. Joseph’s Hospital for further specialized stroke rehabilitation, arranging equipment, home supports including therapy or other resources you may need.
Your Interprofessional Stroke Team and Their Role in Your Care
- Neurologist / Stroke Physician
- Provide medical assessment, appropriate diagnostic testing and treatment of patients presenting with stroke.
- Manager
- Provides management of staff and is responsible for the delivery of care to patients and family/caregivers on the Regional Stroke Unit.
- Nursing Staff
- Specialize in caring for patients who have experienced a stroke, family/caregivers and are involved in all aspects of your care.
- Clinical Stroke Nurse
- Provide assessment and in collaboration with the team, develops and monitors your plan of care.
- Occupational Therapist
- Provides assessment and treatment to assist you in gaining independence in everyday activities.
- Physiotherapist
- Provides assessment and treatment to help increase your mobility and independence. It is very important to participate in therapy and follow the therapist’s recommendations to aid in recovery.
- Speech Language Pathologist
- Provides assessment and treatment to assist with speech, language and swallowing impairments.
- Patient and Family Stroke Educator
- Coordinates and/or provides stroke education to you and your family/caregiver.
- Dietitian
- Assists with nutritional support, monitors oral intake and provides dietary education as needed.
- Pharmacist
- Provides support for pharmaceutical management and any education that you may need regarding the medication you are on.
- Social Worker
- Assists you and your family/caregiver to cope with personal, family or social problems or concerns as needed.
- Discharge Planner
- Assists you in planning for discharge or transfer to another facility.
- Other
- You may also see, if needed, a neurosurgeon, and/or other physicians.
- Research
- You may be asked to participate in a clinical trial or research study that has been approved by the Research Ethics Committee. You may or may not decide to participate after being informed about the project.
Personal Items you may Need
- List of your home medication(s)
- CPAP machine (if using at home)
- Walker/wheeler chair (if using at home)
- Eye glasses/hearing aids with their containers
- Housecoat, slip resistant slippers, comfortable walking shoes
- Tooth brush/tooth paste/denture care
- Hair brush/comb, shaving products
- Comfortable clothing for therapy and discharge home
Valuables such as jewellery, credit cards and money should be sent home whenever possible or stored for safekeeping in the Financial Services Business office. You may want to have a small amount of money for purchases from Season’s Gift Shop.
Please be aware that TBRHSC cannot assume responsibility for patient possessions including hearing aids, eye glasses and dentures.
During Your Stay
- Family Updates
- Questions regarding medical information like diagnostic test results should be directed to your Doctor. It is helpful when one member of your family is designated to act as a spokesperson. Information will be given to your immediate family members only, with your consent.
- Visiting Hours
- Partners in care are welcome to participate in your care at anytime, the general visiting hours do not apply to them. A partner in care is a recognized individual(s) in your life who can support your care needs and is considered to be a key part of your health care team.
General visiting hours are between the hours of 11:30am and 8:30pm, though this may be altered due to healthcare needs of patients. Visitors are asked to use the hand sanitizers mounted on the wall before entering and when leaving the unit as well as before entering and when leaving your room.
- Meal Times
- Breakfast: 8:30, Lunch: 12:30, Dinner: 5:30. There is also a kitchenette on the unit that is available to patients.
- Telephones
- If you wish, your bedside telephone will be connected at a daily rate. Upon discharge, your phone bill may be paid at the Patient Billing and Cashier Services office (located in the hospital lobby across from the Information desk).
- Computers
- TBRHCS Internet Portal: Prepaid internet access cards can be purchased at the Seasons Gift Shop with cash, credit or debit. Call 1-866-223-9807 for WIFI support.
- Television
- To activate the TV, call 4436 from the phone in your room, turn the TV on and follow the set up instructions on the screen. A credit card (Visa or Mastercard) is required for payment. For assistance or questions, dial 4436 and press 0 from the phone in your room.
Learn the Signs of Stroke
Face is it drooping?
Arms can you raise both?
Speech is it blurred or jumbled?
Time to call 9-1-1 right away.
Act FAST because the quicker you act, the more of the person you save.
© Heart And Stroke Foundation of Canada, 2014
