For 20 years, Harrison Medical Center’s cancer program has been approved by the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer, a distinction achieved by only one in four Washington and U.S. hospitals. This year Harrison earned a still rarer distinction: Commendation for excellence. The Commission’s newest level of achievement means Harrison’s cancer program exceeds standards of care.

Oncology programs earning recognition from the Commission on Cancer offer high quality cancer care that includes:

•  Comprehensive care offering a range of state-of-the-art services and equipment;

•  A multi-specialty team approach to coordinate the best treatment options available;

•  Access to cancer-related information, education, and support;

•  Benefit of a cancer registry that collects data on type and stage of cancers and treatment results, and offers lifelong patient follow up;

•  Ongoing monitoring and improvement of care;

•  Information about ongoing clinical trials and new treatment options.

Harrison Oncology Director Kay Buitenveld says maintaining the Commission’s formal approval every three years is eschewed by many hospitals because of its labor-intensive effort. “We continue to seek this approval award because we feel it’s the right thing to do for our patients and their families, adding to their assurance during a fearful time,” she explains. “It’s an issue of pride for us, too.”

During Harrison’s recent onsite survey, the Commission’s surveyors noted Harrison’s unusually high number of certified oncology nurses. They also praised Harrison’s diligence to patient follow-up for cancer registry, and the impressive involvement of Harrison’s multidisciplinary cancer committee. #