Prototype Projects

The BCSS operated two prototype Telestroke projects between 2009 and 2010. While prototypes have been completed, both health authorities continue to provide Telestroke services.

 

The prototypes have been evaluated. Click here for the report.

 

 

Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA)

The VIHA Telestroke project launched in June, 2009. Neurologists and stroke specialists are working out of the Victoria General Hospital, the consulting hospital for Telestroke on Vancouver Island. Referring hospitals are the Cowichan District Hospital in Duncan and the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital.

Acute stroke patients who arrive in emergency departments of the two referring hospitals in less than 4.5 hours of symptom onset will be seen by a neurologist, via videoconference.

The prototype ran through to Spring 2010.

Lower Mainland

In the Lower Mainland, the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority provides neurological and stroke consultations to two referring hospitals (Chilliwack General Hospital and Peace Arch Hospital) in the Fraser Health Authority. This Patient Brochure explains how the Telestroke process works.