Cancer Center at Willamette Valley Medical Center Receives Three Year Approval with Commendation

The Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons has granted Three-Year Approval with Commendation to the cancer program at Willamette Valley Medical Center.

The Approvals Program sets quality of care standards and reviews cancer programs to ensure they conform to those standards. Approval 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 performance.

Approval with commendation represents an even higher standard, according to Bruns. Of the 23 cancer programs in Oregon, only one other has received approval with commendation. This means that during an on-site evaluation by a physician surveyor, the Cancer Center at Willamette Valley Medical Center not only complied with 36 Commission on Cancer standards, but also demonstrated compliance with additional standards that represent the full scope of the cancer program (cancer committee leadership, cancer data management, clinical services, research, community outreach and quality improvement).

"Approval with commendation reinforces our belief that we are providing excellent care for our cancer patients," said Rosemari Davis, chief executive officer of Willamette Valley Medical Center. "It's gratifying that our continued focus on exceptional patient care has earned professional recognition, however it's even more gratifying to know we are helping neighbors fight cancer." Davis also noted appreciation for the Cancer Center staff, physicians and volunteers. "The evaluation required a lengthy and detailed process and I am grateful for Dr. Harold Hoover, chair of the cancer committee and the cancer committee staff and physicians who, under his leadership, saw this process through to completion."

To be named an approved cancer program the Cancer Center at Willamette Valley Medical Center met the Commission's criteria that ensures quality patient care. The criteria includes:

• Comprehensive care, including a range of state-of-the-art services and equipment.
• A multi-specialty, 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 type and stage of cancers and treatment results and offers lifelong patient follow-up.
• Ongoing monitoring and improvement of care.
• Quality care close to home.