FTMC Cancer Program Approved with Commedation by the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons
09/30/2008 9/30/2008-Norwalk-Fisher-Titus
Medical Center’s
cancer program has been granted a three-year approval with Commendation by the
Commission on Cancer (CoC) of the American
College of Surgeons.
FTMC’s program was specially recognized with commendations in seven areas
including community outreach programs related to cancer screenings and
prevention, clinical services, and cancer data management.
“We are
committed to offering the best in cancer care at Fisher-Titus, “said Dr. Eric
Schmidt, chairperson of FTMC’s cancer committee. “Through this approval, the
Commission on Cancer of the American
College of Surgeons
recognizes FTMC’s cancer program as offering the very best in cancer care.”
CoC Approval is received by only one in four
hospitals that treat cancer patients and is given only to those facilities that
have voluntarily committed to provide the best in diagnosis and treatment of
cancer, Schmidt said. FTMC has
maintained CoC Approval since 1989.
To meet the standards necessary for commission
approval, the cancer program, as well as the organization that controls it,
goes through a rigorous evaluation process and review of its performance. In
order to maintain approval, an on-site inspection is required every three
years.
Receiving care at a Commission on Cancer accredited
facility ensures that, most importantly, patients receive quality care close to
home. A CoC –Approved Cancer Program
also ensures patients have access to comprehensive care including a range of
state-of-the-art services and equipment; a multi-specialty team approach to
coordinate the best treatment options available to cancer patients;
cancer-related information, education and support; lifelong patient follow-up
through a cancer registry that collects data on types and stages of cancers and
treatment results; and information about ongoing clinical trials and new
treatment options.
Recognizing that cancer is a complex group of diseases,
the Approvals Program promotes consultation among surgeons, medical
oncologists, radiation oncologists, diagnostic radiologists, pathologists and
other cancer specialties.
“We believe that this multidisciplinary cooperation
results in improved patient care,” said Dr. Schmidt.
FTMC’s Cancer Care Center,
which opened in 2006, offers area residents an expanded area that includes
treatment areas, private exam rooms, a regional American
Cancer Society
Resource Center,
a Healing Garden and convenient parking at a
private entrance. FTMC’s Cancer Program also has
experienced, board certified surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation
oncologists and radiologists, as well as highly qualified health-care staff, to
provide the best standard of care available to cancer patients.
In
addition, cancer patients can access psychosocial services through various cancer
support groups. FTMC’s Cancer Care Center
also includes an American
Cancer Society
Resource Center
where patients and their families can research and receive information about cancers
and treatments.
Currently, there are currently more than 1, 400
CoC-approved cancer programs in the U.S.
and Puerto Rico, representing close to 25
percent of all hospitals. These hospitals diagnose and/or treat 80 percent of
newly diagnosed cancer patients each year.
CoC Approval is widely recognized by national
organizations, such as the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare
Organizations and the American Cancer Society.
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