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Mercy’s cancer programs recognized with accreditation with commendation by The Commission on Cancer, American College of Surgeons

Mercy Receives Accreditation With Commendation As A Teaching Hospital Cancer Program

The Commission on Cancer (CoC) of the American College of Surgeons (ACoS) has again granted a 3-year accreditation with commendation to Mercy Medical Center’s cancer programs as a Teaching Hospital Cancer Program.

Mercy received a 3-year accreditation with commendation following the on-site evaluation by a physician surveyor during which Mercy demonstrated a commendation level of compliance with five standards that represent the full scope of the hospital’s cancer programs (e.g. cancer committee leadership, cancer data management, clinical services, research, community outreach, and quality improvement). In addition, Mercy received a compliance rating for all other standards.

“Mercy has received a 3-year approval with commendation—the highest award possible. This reflects Mercy’s dedication to providing excellent care to patients with cancer. It is Mercy’s team of nationally recognized medical staff, coupled with our interdisciplinary approach, providing care to the whole person in a holistic environment, that makes Mercy standout,” said surgical oncologist Dr. Armando Sardi, Director, The Institute for Cancer Care at Mercy.

“Our doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, support staff, volunteers and many others who provide compassionate care to cancer patients all played key roles in achieving this recognition for Mercy,” Dr. Sardi added.

Established by the American College of Surgeons in 1922, 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 Fellows of the American College of surgeons and 42 national organizations that reflect the full spectrum of cancer care.

"To learn that Mercy has received accreditation with commendation from the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer is very gratifying. It’s evidence of Mercy’s commitment to fighting cancer through the accurate diagnosis and treatment. It is also indicative of the dedication of Mercy staff who work tirelessly to enhance treatment for cancer patients," said Thomas R. Mullen, president and CEO of Mercy Health Services, Mercy Medical Center.

Mercy’s cancer program is comprised of a multi-disciplinary team that includes medical oncologists, hematologists, surgical oncologists, gynecologic oncologists, breast cancer specialists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, oncology nurses, pastoral care and social workers and other medical and health care professionals.

"The Mercy Cancer Committee deals with issues relative to pain management, quality assurance, patient care evaluation, research, education, maintaining the cancer registry, reporting on cancer staging, and more. Our goal is to maintain and improve upon the Mercy system for diagnosing, treating, and preventing cancer. The accreditation by the American College of Surgeons only drives us to do even better," Dr. Sardi said.

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

• Comprehensive Care, including a range of 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 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

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