Behind the Scenes: Introducing MyChart, CCH now a district stroke centre
2021-06-18
This week we published our 2020-2021 Annual Report, proudly sharing with the community some of our clinical service highlights throughout the previous year.
When the pandemic began to unfold in the spring of 2020, we understood the importance of managing appropriately so we could continue innovating and delivering on our Hospital’s goals; our 2020-2021 Annual Report showcases a successful balance between pandemic preparedness and our commitment to exceptional care.
This month, I thought it would be appropriate to break from speaking about COVID-19 and focus on two of our Hospital’s clinical innovations as featured in the Annual Report.
For those who are interested in reading more about our pandemic preparedness and other highlights from last year, the 2020-2021 Annual Report can be found on our website at www.cornwallhospital.ca/en/publications.
Introducing the MyChart Patient Portal for CCH Patients
MyChart is a personal online health portal developed by Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto. It’s used by over 50 hospitals across Ontario, now including CCH.
Using a computer or mobile device, CCH patients can view and share their electronic health records, clinical documentation and test results, and keep track of medical conditions, medications, and set reminders for appointments and annual screenings.
In short, MyChart gives patients the opportunity to take better control of their health.
“Having access to MyChart empowers patients to be involved and aware of the care they are receiving, which is always such a rewarding experience for both them and their physicians,” explained Dr. Yen Dang, Chief Medical Information Officer and General Surgeon at CCH.
MyChart is also designed for families and personal care teams as it allows for record sharing and multiple members to be added to a patient’s account.
“Giving patients easier access to viewing their own chart, or allowing family members or caretakers to access a chart, will hopefully put them at the centre of the care team, as they should be, and strengthens the trust in the physician-patient relationship and fosters transparency.” added Dr. Dang.
Knowing that personal health records are sensitive, MyChart is safe and secure like online banking, and uses the same encryption technologies used by the major banks.
Since launching in March 2021, thousands of patients in our community have registered for MyChart. For more information and to register for MyChart, visit www.cornwallhospital.ca/en/MyChart.
CCH Designated as District Stroke Centre
With June being Stroke Awareness Month in Canada, I am excited to share that earlier this year Ontario Health officially designated CCH as a District Stroke Centre in the Champlain Region.
As a District Stroke Centre, CCH is the “hub” for patients in need of stroke care throughout the Eastern Champlain Region, and is accountable for the leadership, development, implementation, and coordination of local stroke care.
“This means if you’re having a stroke, the ambulance will go directly to our Emergency Department where you will be treated here at CCH, and we are one of the only hospitals in the Champlain Region that can administer the clot-busting drug tPA,” said Jo-Ann Tessier, Director of Sub-Acute Care.
CCH is also introducing a new Stroke Unit this year featuring six dedicated beds for patients with a confirmed stroke diagnosis requiring hospital admission, where they will be cared for by a specially trained, multi-disciplinary team made up of nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech language pathologists, etc.
Some previous clinical achievements that helped lead to this new designation included becoming a tele-stroke site in 2010 and developing practices supporting top-notch acute care, such as the implementation of the Stroke Prevention Clinic.
“If you suspect that you or someone is having a stroke, remember to act F.A.S.T., which stands for Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, and Time to call 911. These simple steps take less than a minute and can help you diagnose a stroke,” added Tessier.
To learn more about the Champlain Regional Stroke Network and stroke prevention, visit their website at www.crsn.ca.
Read more about CCH’s year in review in its 2020-2021 Annual Report, available at www.cornwallhospital.ca/en/publications.