The American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer has notified The Westerly Hospital that it has received the 2008 “New Program Outstanding Achievement Award” (OAA).   A healthcare facility receives the New Program OAA following the on-site evaluation by a physician surveyor during which the facility demonstrates a Commendation level of compliance with the standards that represent the full scope of the cancer program (cancer committee leadership, cancer data management, clinical services, research, community outreach, and quality improvement).

Across the United States, a total of 93 programs received the OAA as a result of surveys performed in 2008.  This represents approximately 19 percent of the programs surveyed last year.  Of the 93 programs receiving the Award, twenty were New Program recipients.

This distinguished achievement comes in addition to the “Three Year with Commendation” approval that the Hospital’s cancer program received in September, 2008 from the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer.

“Receiving the New Program Outstanding Achievement Award could not have been accomplished without the dedication and leadership of the hospital's cancer committee,” said President/CEO Charles S. Kinney. “This standing committee draws on the expertise of both physician and non-physician members of the Hospital staff and medical community, including representatives from oncology, nursing, quality improvement, education, hospice and several other specialties.  The entire Westerly Hospital community is grateful for their hard work.”

Click here for information on Cancer Services offered at The Westerly Hospital.

3/13/09