Response to Ontario Auditor General’s value-for-money audit: Cardiac disease and stroke treatment

Heart & Stroke commends the Auditor General of Ontario

Heart & Stroke commends the Auditor General of Ontario, Bonnie Lysyk, and her office for their thorough review of the cardiac and stroke system in Ontario.

Heart & Stroke endorses all recommendations made by the Auditor General in the Value-for-Money Audit released today. We particularly highlight the following:

  • Fund campaigns to increase public awareness of the signs of stroke and the need to call 9-1-1 immediately to be directed to the best care.
  • Ensure equitable access across the province to critical treatments and care such as clot-busting tPA and endovascular therapy (EVT) for stroke patients, as well as remote monitoring for heart failure patients.
  • Ensure access to both cardiac and stroke rehabilitation in the appropriate amounts and settings.
  • Respond to the challenges to cardiac and stroke care caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly addressing delays in diagnosis and treatment and the resulting increased severity of illness experienced by many patients.

“Heart & Stroke looks forward to the opportunity to continue to work closely with CorHealth, the Ministry of Health and other systems stakeholders to respond to the recommendations outlined in the Auditor General’s report which will improve systems of care for people living with heart disease and stroke in Ontario,” says Liz Scanlon, Director, Health Policy and Systems, Heart & Stroke, Ontario.

About Heart & Stroke

Life. We don’t want you to miss it. That’s why Heart & Stroke leads the fight against heart disease and stroke. We must generate the next medical breakthroughs, so Canadians don’t miss out on precious moments. Together, we are working to promote health, save lives and promote recovery through research, prevention, and public policy. heartandstroke.ca

Contact

Stephanie Lawrence
Stephanie.lawrence@heartandstroke.ca
613 290 4236