WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital’s clinical partnership with WVU Health System has enhanced multiple services provided to area residents, among them the treatment of acute stroke.
WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital-based neurologists are available 24/7 for consultation and provide direct evaluation and treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) along with subsequent inpatient work-up. Intravenous thrombolysis is utilized for AIS in patients meeting specific criteria set forth by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA). Wheeling Hospital’s stroke team works collaboratively with the WVU Health System Neurology colleagues whom are available 24/7 to provide telestroke evaluations and recommendations for those requiring emergent consultation and potential treatment. Neurology specialists also provide assistance in evaluation and decision-making in those patients requiring transfer for a higher level of care, such as mechanical thrombectomy. The telestroke partnership with WVU Health System, which has been active since 2019, provides access to face-to-face neurological consultations 24 hours a day/7 days a week throughout both the Emergency Department (ED) and inpatient units. Also of note, WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital’s neurosurgery team is available and utilized as indicated for hemorrhagic stroke and related diagnoses requiring evaluations and/or surgical intervention.
A fully functional Stroke Team is available 24/7 for treatment of stroke, both in acute and inpatient care. All members of the team have been trained in protocol/processes and proper assessment/treatment of acute stroke. In addition, a Stroke Page Activation System is in place for both the ED and inpatient units.
Services and Capabilities
In addition to the acute stroke work-up and treatment capabilities, means for full inpatient stroke work-up are also available within WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital. This includes MRI and MRA capabilities, CT imaging (including CT Angiogram and CT Perfusion studies), carotid imaging, transthoracic/transesophageal echocardiogram and EEG. Meanwhile, the interventional cardiology team of the WVU Heart and Vascular Institute at Wheeling Hospital can perform stroke-related procedures such as Watchman Device implantation and PFO Closures. For extended cardiac rhythm monitoring needs, event monitors are available to be placed prior to discharge and loop recorder implantations can be completed in both inpatient and outpatient settings when indicated. Vascular surgery is available for consultation with capabilities of completing carotid endarterectomy, carotid stenting procedures and other vascular operations as is indicated. Fully functional inpatient rehabilitation departments provide evaluation and treatment services while Social Services and Care Management teams aid in patient transition. Additionally, a fully staffed outpatient neurology team is available for referral and follow-up to optimize continuity of care. Outpatient Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy (including Hand Therapy specialists) and Speech/Language and Swallow Therapy is readily available for continued rehabilitation needs following discharge as indicated to maximize patient recovery potential.
Multiple performance improvement initiatives are enacted each year with a focus on continued enhancement of stroke care. Performance improvement initiatives are tracked and evaluated for success
Stroke Achievement Awards
In 2022, WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital achieved Advanced Primary Stroke Center Certification by earning The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval and the Heart-Check mark from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA). WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital is the only health care organization within the region to have been recognized with such achievement and one of only thirteen certified stroke centers in all of West Virginia.
In order to achieve and maintain Advanced Primary Stroke Center Certification, WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital undergoes rigorous onsite reviews by a team of Joint Commission reviewers that evaluate compliance with related certification standards including: assessment and treatment of acute stroke with focus on stroke-specific time metrics; timely treatment of acute ischemic stroke with IV thrombolysis; stroke education; secondary stroke prevention interventions; and evaluation/treatment of rehabilitation needs.
Since 2021, WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital has been recognized by the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA) for our persistent excellence in stroke-related care. For three straight years, WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital has earned the AHA/ASA Get With The Guidelines (GWTG) – Stroke GOLD PLUS with Honor Roll Elite and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll. These honors were earned by successfully achieving persistent compliance with all GWTG® -Stroke Achievement and Quality Measures criteria for successive calendar years to improve quality of patient care and outcomes. This also includes the evaluation of the timeliness of acute treatment in patients requiring IV thrombolysis. These measures include evaluation of the proper use of medications and other stroke treatments aligned with the most up-to-date, evidence-based guidelines with the goal of optimizing recovery and reducing death and disability for stroke patients. Before discharge, patients receive thorough education on managing their health, get a follow-up visit scheduled, as well as other care transition interventions.
Appointments and Directions
WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital
1 Medical Park
Wheeling, WV 26003
Phone: 304-243-8398