Acute stroke care refers to the key interventions involved in the assessment, treatment or management, and early recovery in the first hours and days after stroke onset.

Acute stroke care is divided into three different phases: the prehospital, emergency department, and the acute inpatient unit.

Prehospital care, assessment and stabilization is provided by Emergency Medical Services, who transport the patient to a stroke centre.

Emergency Department care includes initial diagnostic procedures that identify the nature and mechanism of stroke, and acute stroke treatment.

Acute inpatient care is provided by an interdisciplinary team, to prevent complications and promote early recovery, develop an individualized secondary prevention plan, and engage with the stroke survivor and family to assess and plan for transition to the next level of care.

A coordinated and seamless system of acute stroke care is emphasized in our region that optimizes recovery and patient outcomes through initiatives collaborating with Emergency Medical System, emergency departments, telestroke sites, and nursing stations.