| BMC Cancer Program Achieves Accreditation with Commendation |
| January 31, 2013 For Immediate Release BMC Cancer Program Achieves Highest Level of Accreditation from Commission on Cancer PITTSFIELD, MA – Berkshire Medical Center’s Cancer Program has received a Three Year Accreditation with Commendation from the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons, the highest rating awarded by the Commission. This is the third straight Three Year Accreditation with Commendation that BMC’s Cancer Program has received, in addition to two Outstanding Achievement Awards from the Commission in the only two years that BMC was eligible for the awards. This accreditation level is only given to facilities, like BMC, that have voluntarily committed to providing the highest level of quality cancer care. “This level of accreditation is an impressive validation of the quality of care provided to our patients by the BMC Cancer Program,” said David Phelps, President and CEO of Berkshire Health Systems. “The Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons conducts a very detailed, comprehensive survey of each program under consideration for accreditation. The Accreditation with Commendation that BMC has achieved three times since 2007 means our program has provided care and services on a very high level, and our patients can rely on receiving nationally recognized cancer care.” A facility received the Three Year Accreditation with Commendation following a rigorous on-site evaluation, during which BMC demonstrated a Commendation level of compliance with all standards that represent the full scope of the Cancer Program, including cancer committee leadership, cancer data management, clinical services, research, community outreach and quality improvement. In addition, BMC achieved compliance ratings for all other standards. Receiving care at a Commission on Cancer-accredited facility like BMC ensures that a patient has access to comprehensive care, including a range of state-of-the art services and equipment, a multi-specialty team approach, information about ongoing clinical trials and new treatment options, access to cancer-related information, education and support, a cancer registry that collects data on type, stage, treatment results and offers lifelong patient follow-up and quality of care close to home. There are currently more than 1,500 Commission on Cancer-accredited cancer programs in the US and Puerto Rico, representing about 30% of all hospitals. This 30% of hospitals diagnose and/or treat approximately 80% of all newly diagnosed cancer patients each year. The American College of Surgeons established the Commission on Cancer in 1922. The Commission 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 care. Its membership includes Fellows of the American College of Surgeons and 49 national organizations that reflect the full spectrum of cancer care. |
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