October 26, 2007

Jameson Hospital Receives Three-Year Approval with Commendation from American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer

New Castle , PA - Jameson Hospital has received a Three-Year Approval with Commendation following the on-site evaluation by a physician surveyor from the Commission on Cancer (CoC) of the American College of Surgeons.  The Center demonstrated a commendation level of compliance in one or more standards that include cancer committee leadership, cancer data management, clinical services, research, community outreach, quality improvement, clinical trial participation, and staging compliance.

Established in 1922 by the American College of Surgeons, 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 care.  Its membership includes 42 national organizations that reflect the full spectrum of cancer care.

The Approvals Program sets quality-of-care standards for cancer programs and reviews the programs to ensure they conform to those standards.  Approval by the CoC is given only to those facilities that have voluntarily committed to providing the highest level of quality cancer care and that undergo a rigorous evaluation process and review of their performances.  To maintain approval, facilities with CoC-approved cancer programs must undergo an on-site review every three years. 

Receiving care at a CoC-approved cancer program ensures that a patient will have access to:

- comprehensive care including state-of-the-art services and equipment

- a multispecialty team approach to coordinate the best treatment options

- information about ongoing clinical trials and new treatment options

- access to cancer-related information, education, and support

- a cancer registry that collects data on types and stages of cancers and treatment results

- ongoing monitoring and improvement of care

- quality care close to home

For more information about the Commission on Cancer, visit www.facs.org.  To find out more about this accreditation, contact Deb Perretta, Quality Management Services, 724-656-4088 .