Bob Ross thankful for quality care in Integrated Stroke Unit

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Bob Ross has a new lease on life, and he believes it is because of the exceptional medical care that he received in the Integrated Stroke Unit (ISU) at the Brantford General after he suffered a stroke in the Fall of 2017.

It was a Friday afternoon and Bob, who owns a construction company in the Simcoe area, was at a rural job site eating lunch when he suddenly lost the use of his left arm and he felt numbness in his face. He asked one of his employees to tell him if his face was drooping, and when the employee confirmed that it was, Bob realized immediately what was happening.

Grateful Patient Bob Ross — From left: Physiatrist Dr. Catherine Ballyk, OT Julie Clark, grateful patient Bob Ross, Hospitalist Dr. Fikre Germa and OT Brooke Stewart.

A few weeks earlier Bob had watched a TV commercial outlining the signs of stroke, and he said that commercial was the first thing that came to his mind before deciding that he needed to get to the hospital right away.

When he arrived at Norfolk General in Simcoe, Bob was having difficulty walking, his face and arm were numb and he couldn’t grip with his left hand.

“I was trying my best to remain calm at that point,” he said.

Bob was assessed and then quickly transferred by ambulance to the Brantford General, which is recognized as the District Stroke Centre for the Brant, Haldimand and Norfolk regions specializing in the ongoing implementation and delivery of best practice, evidence-based stroke care.

In 2013, the Brantford General opened an Integrated Stroke Unit to better serve the needs of patients admitted to hospital with a diagnosis of stroke or mini-stroke, like Bob. Research has proven that early access to a specialized stroke unit, such as the one at the Brantford General, can save lives and improve clinical outcomes and quality of life after a stroke.

When Bob arrived at the Emergency Department in Brantford, staff activated and performed the protocol for an incoming stroke patient. Physiatrist Dr. Catherine Ballyk assessed him in the Emergency Department and then admitted Bob directly to the ISU on the second floor.

A Stroke Unit is a specialized department staffed with a team of care providers who have advanced knowledge, training and expertise in stroke care. The team in the Brantford General’s ISU includes nurses, speech language pathologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, occupational and physical therapy assistants, personal support workers, physicians, dietitians, pharmacists, social workers, unit clerks, volunteers and a stroke navigator all dedicated to supporting stroke survivors on their road to recovery.

Once in the ISU, Bob was ordered an ultrasound, a CT scan, an angiogram, an MRI, a cardiac workup including an echocardiogram (ECG) and blood work before he was started on an ongoing treatment plan by Hospitalist Dr. Fikre Germa.

“They were looking after me really, really well,” said Bob.

By then, Bob’s wife, Cheri had arrived and was brought up to speed on Bob’s condition.

“I feel really fortunate because everything went quickly with me,” said Bob.

Bob had nothing but good things to say about the staff in the Stroke Unit.

“The nurses in the ISU were absolutely fantastic while looking after me,” he said, adding that every staff member would routinely introduce themselves and explain what they were doing and why.

“I’ve never seen service that good in a hospital before. What impressed me most is that there was a team of staff right there looking after me,” he said.

Bob started to feel better quickly, and about a day and a half after his stroke he was beginning to regain feeling in his arm and face, though there was still a slight droop to the left side of his face. After three days, Cheri could see an improvement in Bob’s condition.

On the second day of his hospital stay, it was determined that Bob had what is called a carotid stenosis, or a narrowing of the artery in his neck. Dr. Ballyk and Dr. Germa determined he would need surgery to clear the blockage, and if he didn’t have the procedure, there was a chance Bob could have a major stroke within two years.

Bob was transferred to Hamilton for the surgical procedure, spending one night there and returning to Brantford where he was discharged to go home, but not without appointments set up for him to return on a weekly basis for occupational therapy in the BCHS outpatient rehabilitation program.

Bob has recently completed his weekly appointments with Brooke Stewart, an occupational therapist at the Brantford General. Brooke tailored Bob’s therapy to help him recover the ability to perform the tasks he requires in his everyday life. For instance, because he is a builder, Bob needed to be able to use his left hand to maneuver nails that he would hammer with his right hand, so they worked on his fine motor skills in therapy.

“My care there was second to none and even the food was great,” said Bob. “I was treated really well. I think they were treating everyone really well.”

Bob is making important lifestyle changes in order to stay healthy. He continues to take medication prescribed after his stroke, and he has adjusted his diet and exercise regime to make sure he avoids being in the condition that lead to his stroke in the first place.

“I feel really good now,” said Bob.

Bob is thankful to have the Integrated Stroke Unit available to him at the Brant Community Healthcare System, and for receiving exceptional, professional, timely and compassionate care in his time of need.

Now is the time to make a difference, please consider making a gift today that is meaningful to you, and support a strong healthcare system for our community.

Your involvement, through a donation of any size, will allow the BCHS Foundation to purchase patient equipment not funded by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, provide essential resources to maintain the exceptional level of compassionate patient care, and invest in new and innovative technology.

To make a donation, visit the BCHS Foundation website at bchsysfoundation.org or call 519-751-5510.

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For more information on how you can make a donation or offer your support to the 12 Days of Giving campaign, please contact the BCHS Foundation at 519-751-5510 or by email at foundation@bchsys.org

NOW is the time to make a difference, please consider making a gift today that is meaningful to you, and support a strong healthcare system for our community.

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