After a recent on-site review by the Commission on Cancer (CoC), Shawnee Mission Medical Center’s (SMMC) Oncology program received CoC approval by achieving seven out of a possible eight commendations. SMMC is one of only 12 hospitals in Kansas to receive this honor.
The CoC was founded by the American College of Surgeons to encourage hospitals and treatment centers to improve the quality of patient care through various cancer-related programs.
Hospitals seeking CoC approval undergo a voluntary, comprehensive evaluation of its entire cancer program, which evaluates the program’s compliance with 36 standards set by the CoC. Facilities that receive approval are known for providing the best diagnosis and treatment of cancers.
“The commendations we received were for going above and beyond the normal standards set by the CoC,” said Margie Jecker, RN, Oncology Manager. “In the past couple of years, the CoC has updated their standards so it was a great achievement for us to receive so many commendations during this review.”
By attaining CoC approval, patients using SMMC Oncology services are ensured to receive:
- Comprehensive care with state-of-the-art services and equipment
- A multi-specialty, team approach to coordinate the best treatment options for patients
- Access to cancer-related information, education and support
- Ongoing monitoring and improvement of care
- Information about ongoing clinical trials and new treatment options
“By offering a CoC-approved oncology program, the community can be assured they will receive the best comprehensive care possible,” said Charlene Wallace, RN, Breast Center Manager. “We bring together many disciplines such as diagnostics, treatment, rehabilitation and support to provide a quality of care that makes SMMC a hospital of choice in the community for cancer care.”