The Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons has granted three-year accreditation with commendation to the Shore Health System cancer program.
The Commission on Cancer (CoC) accreditation program acknowledges cancer treatment facilities that deliver quality patient care with a focus on prevention, early diagnosis, pre-treatment evaluation, optimal treatment, rehabilitation, surveillance for recurrent disease, support services and end-of-life care.
Shore Health System received CoC accreditation for its cancer program following an onsite visit of the facility by a physician surveyor. During the survey, members of the Shore Health System cancer team demonstrated compliance with 36 standards of cancer care. The program was commended for leadership provided by the organization’s cancer committee chaired by radiation oncologist John Mastandrea, MD. The multi-disciplinary committee is comprised of surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists and other oncology specialists.
The CoC accreditation process also assessed the scope and availability of Shore Health System’ comprehensive clinical services; how well the cancer program manages cancer data; the program’s participation in cancer research; the extent of outreach and education offered in the community; and the types of quality improvement activities that address patient care.
Christopher Parker, senior vice president of patient care services and chief nursing officer for Shore Health System, says, “By participating in this volunteer accreditation process, the members of our interdisciplinary cancer team demonstrated their commitment to providing quality care for men and women across the Mid-Shore region.”
The Shore Health System cancer program assists physicians with diagnosis and treatment planning through the use of diagnostic imaging and laboratory testing available at facilities in Easton, Cambridge, Denton and Centreville. Because surgery is often the preferred treatment method for many cancers, the Shore Health System cancer specialists coordinate patient care with the multi-specialty surgical services available at The Memorial Hospital at Easton and Dorchester General Hospital.
The hub of Shore Health System’s comprehensive cancer program is Shore Regional Cancer Center located in Easton. The cancer center is the home of the Requard Radiation Oncology Center, which provides a full range of services comparable to those offered at major metropolitan and university medical centers. Radiation therapy is delivered using state of the art equipment and techniques that provide progressively more precise treatments for various types of cancers.
“These advanced technologies mean we have some of the most sophisticated treatments for early and late stage cancer available anywhere in the country,” says Dr. Mastandrea, radiation oncologist for the Requard Radiation Oncology Center. “The important thing for patients and their families to know is that no matter what form of radiation therapy they need, they can get it in Easton.”
Brian Leutner, director of oncology services for Shore Health System, adds, “While we are proud of our ongoing investment in cancer technology, our cancer program extends beyond the nuts and bolts of high-powered equipment. We are committed to treating the whole person and the whole family.”
Shore Regional Cancer Center offers a full range of social services, nutrition and financial counseling, and support groups for patients and their caregivers. The center is equipped with a patient library and the Pat Shortall Wig Room, where women can find wigs, hats and other accessories to help them look their best during a cancer treatment. The cancer center social workers partner with the American Cancer Society, the Wellness Community of Delmarva, the Red Devils and other cancer support providers to offer educational programs and provide help with house cleaning, meal services, transportation, medication and other respite that ease the physical and emotional toll of a cancer diagnosis.
For patients who require chemotherapy, Shore Health System coordinates treatment options with a patient’s oncologist. Chemotherapy can be delivered in outpatient suites located at Memorial Hospital and Dorchester General Hospital.
Shore Regional Cancer Center offers cancer patients access to the latest developments in cancer care through clinical trials, which are important aspects of research into the next generation of cancer treatment and prevention. The center staff educates physicians and patients and monitors enrollment and outcomes of clinical trials for many forms of cancers, including breast, colon, lung and prostate.
Shore Regional Breast Center specializes in breast cancer diagnosis, treatment and support. The Breast Center, which is located at Memorial Hospital, provides diagnostic mammography, breast ultrasound, sterotactic and ultrasound guided core biopsies, surgical services and genetic counseling. Breast center patients and their family members have access to the Breast Cancer Resource Center, where they can find information about the latest research on breast cancer treatment options and clinical trials.
Through a grant from the Maryland Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Shore Regional Breast Center provides breast cancer screening programs for medically underserved and minority women in the Mid-Shore region. A Komen grant also underwrites the cost of community education programs provided by breast center outreach workers.
For more information, call 410 820-6800 and visit www.shorehealth.org/services/cancercenter.