Huntington Memorial Hospital Makes Target Stroke Honor Roll for Management of Ischemic Stroke Patients

Faster Diagnosis Enables Better Outcomes

PASADENA, Calif., Nov. 22, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Huntington Memorial Hospital has been named to the Target Stroke Honor Roll by the American Heart Association (AHA)/American Stroke Association (ASA). This award recognizes having a door-to-needle time of 60 minutes or less for at least 50 percent of patients eligible for the "clot-busting" medication, tPA , as well as holding Silver Plus status in the Get With The Guidelines SM–Stroke program.

"Nationally only 28.7 percent of patients receive tPA within the Target Stroke parameters," said Arbi Ohanian, MD, medical director of Huntington Hospital's Primary Stroke Center.  "At Huntington, we have worked very hard to refine our practices and reduce time-to-diagnosis and treatment.  We are honored to be named the only hospital in California to the Target Stroke Honor Roll, but it is our patients who will benefit the most."  

As one of the region's only primary stroke centers with comprehensive capabilities, Huntington Hospital has developed a system for rapid diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients admitted to the emergency department. This includes always being equipped to provide brain imaging scans, having neurologists available to conduct patient evaluations and using clot-busting medications when appropriate.

 "We were thrilled to achieve the Silver Plus Performance Achievement Award which recognized Huntington's commitment and success in implementing a higher standard of stroke care.  To be named one of eleven hospitals nationwide to the AHA Honor Roll is another example of the distinguished level of care that Huntington Hospital provides," said Connie Boyd, executive director of neurosciences at Huntington Hospital.  

 According to the American Stroke Association, each year approximately 795,000 people suffer a stroke — 610,000 are first attacks and 185,000 are recurrent. Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States is suffering from a stroke.  To view all hospitals listed on the Target Stroke Honor Roll click: http://www.strokeassociation.org/STROKEORG/Professionals/Target-Stroke_UCM_314495_SubHomePage.jsp

SOURCE Huntington Memorial Hospital