Every stroke is a race against time. But after the emergency response and initial treatment, patients often find themselves facing an equally difficult path: recovery. It is on this path that the T8 Neurology Department team at Surrey Memorial Hospital has made its mark.
Photo (from left to right): Dr. Brar, Neuroscience Network Stroke lead physician; Shiv Thind, nurse, T8, Neurology Medicine; Simi Kaur, nurse, T8, Neurology Medicine; Han Tran, nurse - program and services, T8, Neurology Medicine; Frances Bergenstein, nurse - education activities, T8, Neurology Medicine; and Ruthdol Nwosu, pharmacist.
Last month, the team received a Certificate of Achievement from Stroke Services British Columbia in recognition of their commitment to improving stroke care. The award was more than a plaque; it was an affirmation of a long, deliberate effort.
“It deepened our sense of unity and strengthened the camaraderie,” said Ravinder Minhas, interim unit manager, Stroke, Neurology and Speech and Language Pathology Department, on behalf of the team. “It validated that our efforts were seen and valued. It’s a proud moment.”
The work began with the team meeting regularly to ask what they could do differently. Through their work with Stroke Services BC over two years, they delivered education sessions, recertified staff in the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and introduced practical changes that improved the care journey for both patients and families.
Changes such as clearer discharge information and earlier screening help families feel more prepared to support their loved one’s recovery. These steps also reduce complications and support faster, safer transitions home. Additionally, orientation tools and training videos for staff have improved consistency and confidence across the unit.
These structured, practical changes led to smoother discharges, reduced complications and higher confidence among patients and staff and medical staff. It’s these measurable gains in care quality and safety that earned them the provincial Certificate of Achievement.
“This award reflects the culture of care and improvement that defines Surrey Memorial Hospital,” said Rich Dillon, executive director, Surrey Memorial Hospital and Regional Emergency Network. “It’s not just a recognition of what the T8 team has done. It’s a statement about what is possible when we put patients first, work together and keep learning.”
“The team in Neurology turned the challenges that come with caring for patients after a stroke into a chance to rethink how care is delivered,” said Arlene Fortin, clinical operations director, Neurology. “They really stepped up to find ways to deliver better care and that’s really what the certificate is about.”
“The outcomes we see on T8 are a direct result of the commitment and constant pursuit of improvement of the team,” said Jaskiran Brar, Neuroscience Network Stroke lead physician. “This vital Fraser Health resource sets a benchmark for stroke care, offering hope and support to patients and their families.”
Surrey Memorial Hospital is not alone in this journey. Royal Columbian Hospital has also completed the two-year quality improvement process and received their certificate of achievement. Abbotsford Regional Hospital is now in its final review stage and Burnaby Hospital is continuing work toward the same goal.
While the certificate hangs on the wall, the work is not done. The team is busy monitoring and evaluating results, to build on what works. The proof is seen in the lives of patients who are returning home with more confidence as they continue their recovery journey.
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