Ellinwood Hospital and Clinic Partners with USD 355 for Baseline Concussion Testing

For Immediate Release

Sept. 12, 2025

Cutting-edge technology to enhance safety on the playing field is now available for Ellinwood student-athletes.

In cooperation with USD 355, Ellinwood Hospital and Clinic is offering baseline concussion testing using SWAY Medical technology.

“Concussions can be difficult to recognize, and recovery looks different for every athlete,” Dr. Troy Moore, DPT, said.

The SWAY system uses a mobile platform to measure balance and cognitive function, providing a reliable baseline for each student-athlete. If a concussion is suspected, the baseline data helps guide safer return-to-play decisions.

SWAY Medical technology is nationally recognized for its accuracy and convenience, enabling assessments to be performed with just a smartphone or tablet.

“The testing is available for athletes across multiple sports in Ellinwood and is an important step toward protecting from the long-term effects of head injuries,” Dr. Moore said.

The partnership ensures local athletes have access to the same high-level safety measures seen in larger districts.

“We want families to know that student safety comes first," said Parker Winter, USD 355 Athletic Director.

Dr. Moore conducted baseline screenings for 130 student-athletes. Technology tests memory and balance to allow medical professionals to make more informed decisions, regardless of where the injury occurs.

“If one of our athletes were to get injured while playing out of town, I can send them a link to any phone with the screening,” Dr. Moore said. “I can then compare this data to our baseline information on this particular athlete to make that return-to-play recommendation.”

Ellinwood Hospital and Clinic continues to expand community partnerships aimed at improving health and wellness and advancing rural healthcare resources.

Ellinwood Hospital and Clinic is a 25-bed Critical Access Hospital and Rural Health Clinic. With an Emergency Room open 24/7, the hospital provides inpatient acute care, skilled swing bed, and intermediate swing bed care and many outpatient services: Endoscopy & outpatient Surgical Services, Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy, Respiratory Therapy, a full-service medical Laboratory, and a full range of Imaging services – X-Ray, CT, Mobile: 3D Mammography, Dexa, Sonography, & MRI.  There is also an Outreach Clinic that provides access to a wide range of specialists including Cardiology. The Ellinwood Clinic offers full family care, from newborn to geriatric, provided by practitioners that truly care about you and your health.