As a 32-year-old police officer just beginning his career, Jaan never expected to experience a health emergency. But on New Year’s day 2019, while bringing a patient to Grand River Hospital while on duty, Jaan had a stroke in the emergency room and was rushed to Hamilton General Hospital to remove the clot.

As a nurse, Leaha Beattie-Palmer is aware of the signs and symptoms of a stroke. She also knows how important it is to take immediate action to help a patient experiencing a stroke, in order to improve recovery outcomes. And still, her experience caught her by surprise. 

Last Monday, Grand River Hospital welcomed Ontario’s Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Sylvia Jones, to the Freeport Campus, where she announced the launch of three new programs by the provincial government.