COOPERSTOWN – Bassett Healthcare is one of only two hospitals in New
York State to earn the Commission on Cancer’s Outstanding Achievement
Award for 2004. Bassett’s Regional Cancer Program joins the company of
the Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo in being recognized for
exceptional performance in providing quality care to cancer patients.
“It is easy to say you have an exceptional program, but much harder
to put into practice all of those things necessary to optimize the
diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients. This award is proof that we
have achieved that goal,” said Maureen Killackey, M.D., director of
Bassett’s Regional Cancer Program.
The Commission on Cancer (CoC) applies seven standards in
determining which facilities will receive the Outstanding Achievement
Award. The CoC reviews patient outcomes, quality improvements, the
quality of data submission, patient guidelines, participation in
clinical trials, adherence to standardized guidelines for assessing new
patients with cancer, and community outreach.
“Meeting the standards set by the CoC is an accomplishment in and of
itself,” said William F. Streck, M.D., president and CEO of Bassett
Healthcare. “What we have done to receive this award indicates a level
of attention to cancer and the care of cancer patients that should be
very reassuring to the residents of our region.”
“It’s worth noting that Bassett requested this external objective
evaluation of its performance,” said Chief Operating Officer Bertine
McKenna. “The on-site survey demonstrates our commitment to quality
care, ongoing improvement, and public accountability for the care and
services provided.”
Dr. Frederick Green, chairman of the Commission on Cancer, said
there are more than 1,400 CoC-approved cancer programs in the United
States and Puerto Rico. Only 39 hospitals received this award,
including Bassett Healthcare. Green described the group as the “best of
the best” in cancer care.
“This award is recognition of Bassett’s commitment to providing high
quality cancer care to patients and a determination to not only meet,
but exceed the standards set by the CoC Approvals Program,” said
Bernadette Ryan, M.D., surgical oncologist and chair of Bassett’s
Cancer Committee. “It really takes everyone involved in the care of the
patient with cancer to be involved and committed at the same high
level.”
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