What is the Secondary Stroke Prevention Clinic?

You have been referred to the Secondary Stroke Prevention Clinic (SSPC) at York Central Hospital to determine your risk factors for experiencing a stroke. 

You will have blood work and tests done prior to your initial clinic visit.

Your initial and follow up visit assessments will be with one of the health care specialists from the team.  These providers consist of the Neurologist, Internists, and the Nurse Practitioner.

Where are my clinic appointments?

The Secondary Stroke Prevention Clinic (SSPC) is located on Level 2, Douglas Storms Wing.

How do I get an appointment?

The SSP Clinic will call you with the date and time of your appointments within two to four business days following your visit to the emergency department.

If you do not hear from the SSP Clinic within two to four days following your emergency department visit, please call the clinic at (905) 883-2101 (Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.).

How do I cancel an appointment?

If you are unable to keep any of the appointments, please notify the SSP Clinic at (905) 883-1212, ext. 3775 within 24 hours of the booked time so that we may schedule another patient.  It is important to attend all booked appointments to allow optimal efficient care.

What diagnostic tests will I have?

Your tests will consist of blood work, a Carotid Doppler, an Echocardiogram, and a 24-hour Holter Monitor.

The Carotid Doppler is an ultrasound of the major arteries in your neck that supply your brain with oxygen.  It will detect any blockages in these vessels decreasing blood flow.

The Echocardiogram is an ultrasound of your heart checking its size, pumping abilities, or any clots.

The 24-hour Holter Monitor is to detect any abnormal heart beats that could lead to the formation of blood clots.  You will continue with your normal daily routine while wearing this monitor for 24 hours.

How do I prepare for my tests?

Bring your health card to your tests.

Blood testing will be done at 9:00 a.m.  Please do not eat or drink (only water) from 8:00 p.m. the night before.  You may eat after the blood test.

If you are diabetic and you are taking pills or insulin for your diabetes, do not take them until after the blood test along with your breakfast.

The blood work will test your cholesterol levels and blood sugar levels.

How do I prepare for my appointments?

Please bring your health card to all your diagnostic tests and clinic visits.

Please bring all your medications, vitamins/minerals, herbal supplements, etc. to all clinic visits.  Make sure that this information provides the names, dosage and amount of times throughout the day you take them.

Bring a list of all your past surgeries, medical conditions or accidents with you.

It may be helpful to bring a list of any questions you have to each clinic visit.

You are welcome to bring one family member with you to your appointments. If you do not speak English fluently, please bring in a family member to interpret.

Appointment dates and time

Call 911 immediately if……

You experience a sudden onset of any stroke like signs or symptoms such as one sided body weakness, difficulty speaking, change in vision, dizziness, or severe headache.

Contact:  The Secondary Stroke Prevention Clinic (SSPC) is located on Level 2, Douglas Storms Wing.
Phone:  (905) 883-1212, ext. 3775

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