Pali Momi Earns Stroke Cred

The symptoms of a stroke — sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body (as in a drooping smile or involuntary arm drift) and slurred speech — are easily detected, but immediate medical care is required to ensure a patient survives with minimal complications.

Pali Momi Medical Center in Aiea and Straub Clinic & Hospital were honored recently with a special distinction in stroke care, having received the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval and the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Heart-Check Mark for Advanced Certification for Primary Stroke Centers.

“We are honored to be certified as a Primary Stroke Center and to be acknowledged for the quality, coordinated care we provide patients in the event of a stroke emergency,” stated Pali Momi CEO Jen H. Chahanovich.

The two-year distinction recognizes facilities that follow Joint Commission “best practices for stroke care.” Experts from the commission evaluated both hospitals, looking at overall procedures, patient selfmanagement activities, patient information workflow, treatment improvement plans, AHA/ASA guideline compliance and more.

What matters most, however, is that patients recognize stroke symptoms and get to the hospital for treatment. Centers for Disease Control reports that nearly 795,000 Americans have a stroke each year — and 130,000 die as a result. Call 911 right away if you suspect you or a loved one has had a stroke.

“Time is a crucial factor in treating a stroke and ensuring a successful outcome, so we are especially proud that we can provide access to nationally recognized stroke care close to home for the residents of Central and West Oahu,” Chahanovich said.