KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- The Keesler Medical Center cancer program has been granted a Three Year Accreditation with Silver Commendation from the Commission on Cancer, a quality program of the American College of Surgeons.
To earn voluntary CoC accreditation, a cancer program must meet or exceed the CoC quality care standards, be evaluated every three years through a survey process and maintain levels of excellence in the delivery of comprehensive patient centered care. The three year accreditation with silver commendation is only awarded to a facility that exceeds standard requirements at the time of its triennial survey.
“CoC Accreditation does not just evaluate policy and treatment standards but requires ongoing participation in a number of patient centered activities such as psychosocial assessment and the data input into the National Cancer Database,” said Dr. (Col.) Jason Hayes, Cancer Center director.
The Keesler Medical Center takes a multidisciplinary approach to treating cancer as a complex group of diseases requiring consultation among surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, diagnostic radiologists, pathologists and other cancer specialists. This multidisciplinary partnership results in improved patient care for those receiving treatment at the Keesler Medical Center.
“This accomplishment is a nationally recognized mark of distinction acknowledging the continuous pursuit of improving care for our cancer patients,” Hayes said. “It reflects the dedication of our oncologic professionals to guiding our patients through the complex and holistic treatment environment and ensures they receive the benefits of cutting edge research and technology.”
The CoC Accreditation Program provides the framework for Keesler Medical Center to improve its quality of patient care through various cancer related programs focusing on the full spectrum of cancer care including prevention, early diagnosis, cancer staging, optimal treatment, rehabilitation, life-long follow up for recurrent disease and end-of-life care.
“I am extremely proud of those involved in this program,” said Col. Jeannine Ryder, 81st Medical Group commander. “They encompass expertise, meticulous eye for detail, professionalism and compassion ensuring safe, quality care to all of our patients and in this instance specifically our cancer patients. The program met stringent standards with many commendations.”