SUBMITTED NEWS RELEASE
The Commission on Cancer (CoC) of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) has granted Saint Mary’s Center for Cancer three-year accreditation renewal with commendation, an achievement awarded to the nation’s leading community cancer centers. During the rigorous on-site evaluation by a physician surveyor, Saint Mary’s surpassed all 36 quality standards and received commendation in six categories.
“We are immensely proud of the diligence and quality of work that is seen at our Center for Cancer,” said James Harris, MD, medical director of surgical oncology and physician liaison to the American College of Surgeons. “Accreditation with commendation means we are providing the highest caliber of cancer care and support right here in our own community.”
Saint Mary’s Center for Cancer is evaluated every three years by a nationally recognized physician surveyor who analyzes quality care standards and the practices of all staff members within the Center. Beyond exceeding all 36 quality standards, Saint Mary’s also received commendation in six categories, including outcome analysis and annual reports; abstracting timeframe; National Cancer Database quality criteria; CAP guidelines; prevention and early detection; and quality improvements related to cancer cases. Additionally, the surveyor gave special note to Saint Mary’s exceptional tumor board, Cancer Committee and medical staff involvement, leadership and participation in the accreditation program.
CoC accreditation renewal ensures patients and surrounding communities have access to a comprehensive scope of services required to diagnose, treat and support those with cancer and their families. Benefits include access to state-of-the art services and equipment; expertise from a multi-speciality team of clinicians who coordinate the best treatment options for each patient; information about clinics trials and new treatment options; access to prevention and early detection programs, cancer-related education and support services; and ongoing monitoring and improvements in cancer care.
Additionally, Saint Mary’s Center for Cancer was named the first accredited breast center in Nevada by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers in 2010 and recently achieved breast MRI accreditation, the region’s first provider to receive the designation. Saint Mary’s was also ranked No. 1 in the state by the National Cancer Database as surpassing quality measures for breast and colon cancers.
“We realize the importance of quality standards, which is why we are dedicated to developing unique ways to manage our patient’s care and continue our role as a compassionate, skilled healthcare providers guiding them through treatment and survivorship,” said Harris.
Established in 1922 by the ACS, the CoC is a consortium of professional organizations dedicated to improving survival rates and quality of life for cancer patients through standard-setting, prevention, research, education and the monitoring of comprehensive, quality cancer care.
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About Saint Mary’s Center for Cancer
Saint Mary’s Center for Cancer (SMCC) is an accredited Community Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Program by the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer. The Center serves as a leader in cancer research, patient care, survivorship and professional and public education. Home to the most advanced technology, SMCC offers the region’s only CyberKnife, a non-invasive radiation delivery system that offers pinpoint accuracy when treating tumors. In Dec. 2010, SMCC received accreditation from the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers, becoming the first accredited breast program in the state. For more information about Saint Mary’s Center for Cancer please call (775) 770-7410.
About Saint Mary’s
Saint Mary’s Network is a fully-integrated, faith-based health system in Reno, Nev. founded in 1908 by the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael. The network is comprised of Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center, an acute-care hospital, providing inpatient, outpatient and wellness services; Saint Mary’s Health Plans, a statewide insurance provider with more than 40,000 members; and Saint Mary’s Medical Group, a network of physicians and other health professionals offering primary and urgent care, retail clinics and specialty healthcare. A member of Catholic Healthcare West, Saint Mary’s is dedicated to meeting the healthcare needs of our community. For more information, visit our website at www.saintmarysreno.org.
About Catholic Healthcare West
Catholic Healthcare West (CHW), headquartered in San Francisco, CA, is a system of 40 hospitals and medical centers in California, Arizona, and Nevada. Founded in 1986, it is one of the nation’s largest not-for-profit health care systems and the largest private hospital system in California. CHW is committed to delivering compassionate, high-quality, affordable health care services with special attention to the poor and underserved. The CHW network of nearly 10,000 physicians and approximately 54,000 employees provides health care services to more than five million people annually. In 2010, CHW provided more than $1.3 billion in charity care, community benefit, and unreimbursed patient care. For more information, please visit our website at www.chwHEALTH.org.
