The Alzheimer Clinic has had a sharp increase in both new patient assessments, as well as in longitudinal follow-up visits. The approval of cholinesterase inhibitors for AD has heightened community awareness and the need for diagnostic assessment and treatment. The past year was extremely busy for the Vancouver General Stroke Program. A major proposal designating the VGH as the British Columbia Stroke Centre was submitted to the hospital administration and the Ministry of Health. Cerebrovascular disease continues to dominate the inpatient clinical service.
Planning is underway for an acute stroke unit and stroke sub-acute unit.
VGH is a leader in the field of thrombolytic stroke therapy. Several new reperfusion strategies are undergoing clinical evaluation, including interventional approaches utilizing novel catheter devices to facilitate clot lysis. VGH is on the cutting edge of these new approaches. The Stroke Program has expanded the role of the Stroke Prevention Clinic and patients from around the province are seen in increasing numbers. Well-attended weekly Stroke Rounds are held to review difficult cases and provide education to residents and medical students.