Wooster Community Hospital Is a Certified Primary Stroke Center

Initially designated a primary health care center in 2009, Wooster Community Hospital (WCH) has seen explosive growth thanks to its disciplined management system and outstanding clinical best practices. And after consistently meeting high standards for stroke care, the hospital has received certification as a Primary Stroke Center by DNV GL Healthcare.

The hospital’s Primary Stroke Center is a full-service and acute-care health facility with the most advanced resources for treating a broad range of stroke-related medical problems. While the WCH Primary Stroke Center is a cutting-edge facility, the physicians retain small-town values when relating to patients – which means that the doctors will take the time to listen to you and offer compassionate, individualized support.

Leading with an Optimistic Approach to Treating Strokes

Our physicians and health care professionals at Wooster Community Hospital know that time is of the essence for stroke victims. Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke; it is the fifth leading cause of death in the country, and it is the main cause of disability.

Because as many as two million brain cells will die per minute during a stroke, the Wooster Primary Stroke Center assembles an entire stroke team to get ready for a stroke patient while the person is on the way to the hospital. The team’s message is one of positivity, strongly believing in patient education and empowering every person in the community to help foster positive outcomes in the event of a stroke.

Prevention is also key since there are certain risk factors that can make you predisposed to getting a stroke. Examples are being overweight, having high blood pressure, and having high cholesterol.

Educating Everyone on the Signs of a Stroke

Wooster Community Hospital believes in educating all members of the community, whether they live in Greater Cleveland and Akron or are searching for medical information online. The key is to educate every person about the early signs of a stroke – and if you see those signs, to get to a hospital as quickly as possible.

Familiarize yourself with the B.E. F.A.S.T. symptoms:

• Balance
• Eye (Blurry or Double Vision)
• Facial drooping
• Arm weakness and numbness
• Speech difficulty
• Time to call 911

An oncoming stroke can render a person suddenly unable to speak. They may also experience changes in vision, followed by weakness and a feeling of being numb on one side of the body.

Confusion and loss of coordination are other signs of a stroke. A stroke victim’s balance will also be affected.

Time is of the Essence

Time is critical when it comes to treating stroke victims. When a stroke patient arrives at the hospital, WCH staff will immediately begin to administer medication as necessary for treating a stroke.

Wooster Community Hospital is always working to improve its medical services. In fact, one of their recent improvements is their partnership with The Ohio State University’s Telestroke Network, which enables a consultation by camera with an OSU physician for a true team approach to medicine.

Where to Go if You Have a Stroke

There is a certified Primary Stroke Center right here at Wooster Community Hospital. We offer diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and education on all matters related to strokes. You can trust that Wooster Community Hospital does not turn away patients for an inability to pay or lack of insurance.

Contact us today by calling (330) 263-8100 to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced physicians. We look forward to seeing you.