| | | |

DISTRICT STROKE CENTRE NOW ACTIVE AT HUNTSVILLE DISTRICT MEMORIAL HOSPITAL SITE

(September 5, 2006 – Huntsville, ON) Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare announced today the District Stroke Centre at the Huntsville District Memorial Hospital site is now active.

The program offers stroke patients access to the latest technology and treatment. One of the key elements of the program is the ability to provide thrombolytic treatment to eligible patients utilizing the clot-busting drug TPA.

“Timing is critical when it comes to treating stroke patients,” according to Catherine Racine, District Stroke Coordinator for Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare. “If a patient meets the necessary criteria for treatment, we have a 3-hour window from the onset of a stroke to administer the drug that could drastically reduce and in some cases reverse the effects of a stroke.”

Public education about the signs and symptoms of a stroke and the need to respond quickly are keys to success.

“The faster we can initiate our assessment procedures, the greater chance there is for a positive outcome,” according to Huntsville neurologist Dr. Blaine Foell, who serves as Director of the Regional Stroke Program.

“Anyone experiencing stroke symptoms should call 9-1-1 immediately or get to the hospital as quickly as possible. There is a tendency for some people to shrug off the symptoms of a stroke. Recognizing and responding immediately to the warning signs of stroke significantly impacts survival and recovery.”

The District Stroke program is part of a coordinated effort known as the Simcoe-Muskoka Acute Stroke Protocol. Working in collaboration with EMS paramedics and other healthcare professionals, patients presenting with stroke symptoms that meet certain inclusion criteria, will be brought directly to the nearest Stroke Centre; Huntsville District Memorial Hospital Site or Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie.

Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare includes Burk’s Falls and District Health Centre, Huntsville District Memorial Hospital, South Muskoka Memorial Hospital and Muskoka-East Parry Sound CCAC.