Wayne Memorial Hospital is a Certified Primary Stroke Center with a stroke alert team trained to evaluate a potential stroke patient.
Our CT scan is available 24/7 with round the clock access to interpretation by a board-certified radiologist. Access to a distant-site board-certified neurologist is also available 24/7 via the hospital’s videoconferencing Tele-stroke program. For ischemic stroke patients, if treatment is authorized, Wayne Memorial does have the ability and resources to administer an FDA approved clot-busting drug for acute ischemic stroke, which must be given within a certain time frame for top efficacy.
Note: In 2018, the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association updated treatment guidelines. A clot-busting drug may now be given 3 – 4.5 hours after onset of symptoms for mild and severe ischemic stroke patients. The timeline for mechanical thrombectomy intervention (stent retrieval of clot) for qualifying stroke patients was also extended to up to 24 hours. It used to be six hours. What this means is that some patients may now be eligible for further treatment.
Here is a powerful story about a stroke victim, Brooke O’Connell. After this video, read about two local stroke survivors!
READ STORIES OF TWO STROKE SURVIVORS WHO CAME TO WAYNE MEMORIAL….
Few in the U.S. know the warning signs of stroke. Learning them – and acting FAST when they occur – could save your life or the life of a loved one.
Use the FAST test to remember warning signs of stroke.
F = FACE Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
A = ARMS Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S = SPEECH Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Does the speech sound slurred or strange?
T = TIME If you observe any of these signs (independently or together), call 9-1-1immediately.
Stroke 101 Fact Sheet
Stroke is an emergency and a brain attack, cutting off vital blood flow and oxygen to the brain.
In the United States, stroke is the fourth leading cause of death, killing over 133,000 people each year, and a leading cause of serious, long-term adult disability.
There are an estimated 7,000,000 stroke survivors in the U.S. over age 20.
Approximately 795,000 strokes will occur this year, one occurring every 40 seconds, and taking a life approximately every four minutes.
Stroke can happen to anyone at any time, regardless of race, sex or age.
From 1998 to 2008, the annual stroke death rate fell approximately 35 percent, and the actual number of deaths fell by 19 percent.
Approximately 55,000 more women than men have a stroke each year.
African Americans have almost twice the risk of first-ever stroke compared with whites.
Types of Stroke
Ischemic stroke occurs when arteries are blocked by blood clots or by the gradual build-up of plaque and other fatty deposits. About 87 percent of all strokes are ischemic.
Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain breaks leaking blood into the brain. Hemorrhagic strokes account for thirteen percent of all strokes, yet are responsible for more than thirty percent of all stroke deaths.
Two million brain cells die every minute during stroke, increasing risk of permanent brain damage, disability or death. Recognizing symptoms and acting FAST to get medical attention can save a life and limit disabilities.
The prevalence of transient ischemic attacks (TIA – “mini strokes”) increases with age. Up to 40 percent of all people who suffer a TIA will go on to experience a stroke.
Women are twice as likely to die from stroke than breast cancer annually.
The estimated direct and indirect cost of stroke in the United States in 2010 is $73.7 billion.
Reducing Stroke Risk
Many risk factors are beyond your control, including being over age 55, being a male, being African-American, having diabetes, and having a family history of stroke. If you have one or more of these risk factors, it is even more important that you learn about the lifestyle and medical changes you can make to prevent a stroke. However, everyone should do what they can to reduce their risk for stroke – learn more by reading and following the Stroke Prevention Guidelines.
Stroke Prevention Guidelines Medical stroke risk factors include:
Previous stroke, previous episode of TIA (or mini stroke), high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disease, atrial fibrillation and carotid artery disease. These risk factors can be controlled and managed with the help of a healthcare professional.
Lifestyle stroke risk factors include:
Smoking, being overweight and drinking too much alcohol. you can control these risk factors by quitting smoking, exercising regularly, watching what and how much you eat and limiting alcohol consumption.
Stroke Prevention Guidelines
Know blood pressure (hypertension) High blood pressure is a major stroke risk factor if left untreated. Have blood pressure checked yearly by a doctor or at health fairs, a local pharmacy or supermarket or with an automatic blood pressure machine.
Identify atrial fibrillation (Afib) Afib is an abnormal heartbeat that can increase stroke risk by 500 percent. Afib can cause blood to pool in the heart and may form a clot and cause a stroke. A doctor must diagnose and treat Afib.
Stop smoking Smoking doubles the risk of stroke. It damages blood vessel walls, speeds up artery clogging, raises blood pressure and makes the heart work harder. Stopping smoking today will immediately begin to decrease risk.
Control alcohol use Alcohol use has been linked to stroke in many studies. Most doctors recommend not drinking or drinking only in moderation – no more than two drinks each day. Remember that alcohol can negatively interact with other drugs you are taking.
Know cholesterol levels Cholesterol is a fatty substance in blood that is made by the body. It also comes in food. High cholesterol levels can clog arteries and cause a stroke. See a doctor if your total cholesterol level is more than 200.
Control diabetes Many people with diabetes have health problems that are also stroke risk factors. your doctor can prescribe a nutrition program, lifestyle changes and medicine to help control your diabetes.
Manage exercise and diet excess weight strains the circulatory system. exercise five times a week. Maintain a diet low in calories, salt, saturated and trans fats and cholesterol. eat five servings of fruits and vegetables daily.
Treat circulation problems Fatty deposits can block arteries carrying blood to the brain and lead to a stroke. Other problems such as sickle cell disease or severe anemia should be treated.
Act FAST at the first warning sign of stroke If you have any stroke symptoms, seek immediate medical attention
Information obtained from the National Stroke Association and the American Stroke Association.
(Honesdale, June 28, 2024) – Wayne Memorial Hospital is pleased to announce it has been utilizing an advanced surgical robot, the Da Vinci Xi, from a California-based company since February,... Read More
(Honesdale, June 21, 2024)… A free six-week workshop dedicated to helping people cope with the grieving process will take place at Wayne Memorial Hospital this summer. Sponsored by Wayne Memorial’s... Read More
(Honesdale, June 20, 2024) …Honesdale High School Senior Cianna Tyler, Beach Lake, is the recipient of the 2024 Margaret and Ernest Lemnitzer Nursing Scholarship, awarded by the Wayne Memorial Hospital... Read More
Alzheimer’s Support Group for people living with the disease and their care partners. First Tuesday of every month. Trained facilitators from the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Pennsylvania. 5:30pm-6:30pm, Wayne Memorial... Read More
The Alzheimer’s Support Group for the month of July will not be held. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 6th at 5:30 pm in the David Katz Conference... Read More
WMH Auxiliary Garden Tour, self-guided. Seven beautiful gardens in Honesdale, Prompton, Equinunk. Pick up maps and program guides at Chamber of Commerce, 32 Commercial St, Honesdale.
Alzheimer’s Support Group for people living with the disease and their care partners. First Tuesday of every month. Trained facilitators from the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Pennsylvania. 5:30pm-6:30pm, Wayne Memorial... Read More
The Alzheimer’s Support Group for the month of July will not be held. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 6th at 5:30 pm in the David Katz Conference... Read More
WMH Auxiliary Garden Tour, self-guided. Seven beautiful gardens in Honesdale, Prompton, Equinunk. Pick up maps and program guides at Chamber of Commerce, 32 Commercial St, Honesdale.
Free six-week Grief Workshop series offered by Wayne Memorial’s Hospice Department from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm in the hospital’s Chatlos Conference Room, July 31 and August 7,14,21, 28 and... Read More
Alzheimer’s Support Group for people living with the disease and their care partners. First Tuesday of every month. Trained facilitators from the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Pennsylvania. 5:30pm-6:30pm, Wayne Memorial... Read More
Free six-week Grief Workshop series offered by Wayne Memorial’s Hospice Department from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm in the hospital’s Chatlos Conference Room, July 31 and August 7,14,21, 28 and... Read More
Free six-week Grief Workshop series offered by Wayne Memorial’s Hospice Department from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm in the hospital’s Chatlos Conference Room, July 31 and August 7,14,21, 28 and... Read More
Golf tournament, includes lunch and hors d’oeuvres and open bar. Woodloch Springs, August 19, 2024. For a brochure and online payment, visit the Wayne Memorial Health Foundation from drop-down list on... Read More
Free six-week Grief Workshop series offered by Wayne Memorial’s Hospice Department from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm in the hospital’s Chatlos Conference Room, July 31 and August 7,14,21, 28 and... Read More
(Honesdale, June 28, 2024) – Wayne Memorial Hospital is pleased to announce it has been utilizing an advanced surgical robot, the Da Vinci Xi, from a California-based company since February,... Read More
(Honesdale, June 21, 2024)… A free six-week workshop dedicated to helping people cope with the grieving process will take place at Wayne Memorial Hospital this summer. Sponsored by Wayne Memorial’s... Read More
(Honesdale, June 20, 2024) …Honesdale High School Senior Cianna Tyler, Beach Lake, is the recipient of the 2024 Margaret and Ernest Lemnitzer Nursing Scholarship, awarded by the Wayne Memorial Hospital... Read More
Honesdale, PA (June 17, 2024) — Wayne Memorial Community Health Centers (WMCHC) has added a new service to its existing network of offices – podiatry. The practice, Honesdale Podiatry,... Read More
(Honesdale, June 14, 2024) … Laura Lynn Fierke, PA-C, joined Wayne Memorial Hospital’s practice, Honesdale Neurology, this spring. Fierke works alongside Julianne O’Boyle, MD, board-certified neurologist, at their office in... Read More
(Honesdale, June 5, 2024)… You’re invited! The owners of seven “beautiful local gardens in full bloom” will welcome visitors on Saturday, July 20th for the benefit of the Wayne Memorial... Read More
Honesdale, PA (June 3, 2024) — Wayne Memorial Community Health Centers (WMCHC) is proud to announce the addition of a new service in Carbondale. As of Monday, June 3, 2024,... Read More
(Honesdale, June 3, 2024) … Every child is special, but baby McKenna, born June 1st at Wayne Memorial Hospital, already has a very special title: Dairy Month Baby. McKenna was... Read More
(Honesdale, May 31, 2024) – The Wayne Memorial Hospital (WMH) Auxiliary presented a check for $150,000 to Wayne Memorial CEO James Pettinato, BSN, MHSA, CCRN-K, during the health system’s annual... Read More