Cancer Program Earns National Accreditation

The cancer program at University of Maryland Shore Regional Health has once again earned a three-year accreditation from the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons.

The Commission on Cancer (CoC) grants accreditation to cancer treatment facilities that deliver quality patient care through a variety of cancer-related programs focusing on prevention, early diagnosis, cancer staging, optimal treatment, rehabilitation, life-long follow-up for recurrent disease, and end-of-life care. CoC-accredited programs also provide access to information on the availability of clinical trials and new treatments, genetic counseling, and various patient-centered services including support services, a patient navigation process, and a survivorship plan of care that documents the care received by each patient and works to improve his or her quality of life post-treatment. UM Shore Regional Health’s cancer program was granted full accreditation following an onsite review of program facilities, completed by a physician surveyor, during which Cancer Committee members demonstrated compliance with 34 CoC quality care standards. The accreditation review process occurs every three years.

The Cancer Committee at UM Shore Regional Health, chaired by radiologist, Christopher Levey, MD, is a multi-disciplinary team comprised of surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, diagnostic radiologists, pathologists and other oncology specialists. This team of health care professionals takes a multidisciplinary approach to treating cancer and providing patients with support throughout the entire cancer journey.

“While cancer is something that we all hope to never face, residents of the region who need cancer care for themselves or a loved one have access to diagnostic, treatment and support services that meet the highest standards of health care,” comments Christopher Parker, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, senior vice president of clinical services and chief nursing officer, UM Shore Regional Health. “Members of the Cancer Committee and all Shore Regional Health cancer program team members take great pride in our ability to provide innovative and compassionate care to our patients, close to home.”

The Cancer Center is the core of UM Shore Regional Health’s cancer program. Located at 509 Idlewild Avenue in Easton, the Center is home to the Requard Radiation Oncology Center and the Lenny Satchell Chemotherapy Suite. In addition to treatment, within the walls of the Cancer Center, patients have access to a full range of support services including nutrition and financial counseling, support groups and educational programs. It features a patient library and the Pat Shortall Wig Room, where patients can find wigs, hats and other accessories to help them look – and feel – their best during cancer treatments. Oncology rehabilitation, integrative medicine and chaplain services are also vital components of the program.

Patients of the Cancer Center have access to the latest innovations in cancer care through clinical trials, which are important aspects of research into the next generation of cancer treatment and prevention. Center staff educates patients and physicians about available clinical trials and monitors enrollment and outcomes of those trials for many forms of cancer, including breast, colon and kidney.

The Comprehensive Breast Center at UM Shore Regional Health is another key part of the cancer program. Accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), the Center offers a multitude of services to women and men throughout the region including diagnosis and treatment of benign and malignant breast diseases. Patients also have access to genetic counseling, support groups and outreach programs like Wellness for Women, a breast screening program that promotes early detection of breast cancer.

For additional information about the cancer program at University of Maryland Shore Regional Health and its services, visit UMShoreRegional.org/cancer_program.

Established in 1922 by the American College of Surgeons, the CoC is a consortium of professional organizations dedicated to improving patient outcomes 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. For more information, visit facs.org/cancer.