Integrated Stroke Unit

The Integrated Stroke Unit (ISU) at Lakeridge Health is dedicated to the care of patients diagnosed with a stroke and provides both inpatient acute and rehabilitation care following a stroke. Patients remain on the Integrated Stroke Unit for both their acute and rehabilitation stay, if appropriate.

The health care team on the Integrated Stroke Unit has special training in stroke care. The team will work with you and your family member/partner-in-care to:

  • Help you recover from or adapt to the changes caused by stroke
  • Teach you and your family about stroke, its effects and strategies to use in daily life

The members of your health care team will depend on your needs.

Your health care team will include:

  • You! You are the most important member of your health care team, and your full participation is essential to your success in the Rehabilitation program!
  • Doctor: “I prescribe your care and treatment.”
  • Nurse: “I provide you with the care and treatment.”
  • Pharmacist: “I make sure your medications are safe and effective.”
  • Occupational Therapist: “I help you keep or improve your ability to perform daily activities”
  • Physiotherapist: “I help you keep or improve your physical abilities.”
  • Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy Assistants (OTA & PTA): “I provide the care and treatment assigned by your Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist.”

Your health care team may also include:

  • Care Coordinator from Home and Community Care: “I will discuss homecare services that are available to you.”
  • Chaplain: “"I will provide supportive non-intrusive/non-judgmental counseling that will address your emotional, spiritual and religious care needs, whether you adhere to any faith tradition or not without exception."
  • Physiatry- “I am a doctor who specializes in rehabilitation”
  • Registered Dietician: “I help you with problems or concerns with your nutrition.”
  • Social Worker: “I am trained in counseling techniques to help you solve problems, make decisions and improve your feelings of wellbeing.”
  • Speech-Language Pathologist: “I help with communication and swallowing difficulties.”

Location and Contact Information

The Integrated Stroke Unit is located on the 5th floor (accessed by the C wing elevators) of the Lakeridge Health Oshawa Hospital.

Lakeridge Health Oshawa

1 Hospital Court

Oshawa, ON, L1G 2B9

Integrated Stroke Unit

Tel: 905-576-8711 Ext: 33516 or Ext: 33626

Fax: 905-721-4738

What to expect during your stay?

  • You will be assessed by members of your health care team.
  • A plan will be made between you, your family member/partner-in-care, and your health care team to support your recovery. You will be expected to participate in your therapy program, to the best of your ability.
  • Rehabilitation soon after a stroke helps you recover best. You may need to stay in hospital for stroke rehabilitation.
  • How long you stay in hospital is different for each patient. A discharge date will be written on the white board in your room within a few days of being admitted to the hospital.
  • A Care Coordinator from Home Community Care may meet with you before you go home to determine what in-home services you may be eligible for.
  • If needed, referrals for follow-up appointments and outpatient therapy will be completed for you.
  • As you recover, you may have the opportunity to meet with other persons who have had a stroke though the March of Dimes Canada’s After Stroke Hospital Visitation Program. These peers can give you encouragement and hope from their own experiences.
  • We have free in-room incoming and outgoing telephones service and free wireless internet service available to you and your family member/partner-in-care. Please ask your health care team about how to purchase TV service. Monthly parking passes are available by contacting the Parking Office.
  • Most services are covered by OHIP. Third-party insurance plans may cover a portion of or the full cost of semi-private and private accommodation.

What you should bring:

  • Comfortable, loose fitting clothes
  • Sleepwear such as pajamas and/or housecoat
  • Shoes with non-slip soles
  • Personal items such as toiletries, hearing aids, glasses, dentures, incontinent products, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine, books
  • Please ensure your personal items are labeled. Leave valuable items at home as we are not responsible for lost are stolen items.

Tips to help you recover:

  • Make notes of your questions to discuss with your team and be active in your own health care
  • Understand your abilities and limitations
  • Set your goals and priorities
  • Discuss with your therapist what you can do on your own to help you keep moving forward
  • Remember to balance your activity and get rest to avoid fatigue
  • Celebrate every success!

Your family member/partner-in-care can help you by:

  • Cheering you on!
  • Communicating with your health care team
  • Attending therapy session to help prepare for home, if appropriate
  • Assisting you with therapy activities at home
  • Purchasing any recommended equipment for you prior to going home, if necessary
  • Attending a discharge support meeting, to talk about going home, if one has been booked for you

Read an Integrated Stroke Unit patient story

More information