Mercy Earns Prestigious National Approval for Cancer Care
Medical Center Receives Eight Commendations
The Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) has granted continued approval to the oncology program and tumor registry at Mercy Medical Center—Sioux City.
Mercy is currently the only Siouxland healthcare facility to have a cancer care program that bears the prestigious approval of the ACS. The hospital’s continued approval will be valid for the next three years.
In order to meet the exacting standards necessary for approval, Mercy underwent a rigorous evaluation and performance review. That on-site assessment revealed no deficiencies. In fact, surgeon reviewers gave Mercy eight commendations in such areas as outcomes analysis, clinical trial research, prevention and early detection, and cancer-related improvements.
Established by the ACS in 1932, the Approvals Program sets standards for cancer programs and reviews the programs to make sure they conform to those stringent standards. Recognizing that cancer is a complex group of diseases, the program promotes consultation among surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, diagnostic radiologists, pathologists, and other cancer specialists. This multidisciplinary cooperation results in improved patient care, according to the ACS Commission on Cancer.
“We are again honored to earn the continued program approval of the Commission on Cancer of the ACS,” said Scott Wells, vice president of Patient Care Services at Mercy. “It was especially gratifying that Mercy received a total of eight commendations, as well.”
“Program approval also attests that our patients benefit from comprehensive, world-class care that utilizes a wide range of state-of-the-art services and equipment. They will also benefit from a multidisciplinary, team approach that carefully coordinates the best treatment options available,” Wells added.
The ACS sets standards for cancer registry data collection used by all approved cancer programs and conducts national quality management and improvement studies for specific cancer sites. The cancer program’s leaders use the results of these studies to monitor and improve patient care.
Dr. Askar Qalbani, a pathologist and medical director for Mercy’s Tumor Registry, said approval by the Commission on Cancer is given only to those select facilities that are committed to providing the best in diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
“Mercy has maintained a Tumor Registry since 1980,” Qalbani noted. “Since that time, more than 16,000 cancer cases have been added to our database. And Mercy’s registry has a follow-up rate that is much better than national standards.”
“Our recognition as an approved program also means that we have access to national protocols and clinical trials that ensure our patients can benefit from the most progressive experimental drugs, which are available first to approved programs.”
“For those reasons, it is very important to the regional community to have an ACS approved cancer program,” Qalbani added.
The American Cancer Society recognizes hospital-based and specialty programs approved by the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons. For that reason, a unique “Making Treatment Decisions” search engine on the Cancer Society’s web site directs patients and their families to approved programs in their area.
“We wish to acknowledge the efforts of all hospital staff members, who work so well together to ensure the delivery of expert, personal, compassionate care,” Wells said. “Healthcare professionals in every department play a role in the provision of that quality care. We also want to thank staff members in our oncology department and tumor registry for their outstanding work and continued dedication.”
“The majority of nurses providing care in the Dr. Joseph Washburn Oncology and Palliative Care Center at Mercy are nationally certified in oncology. Most nursing staff members have more than 15 years of experience. The Oncology Nursing Society has recognized the unit for the skills and educational level of its staff members,” Wells added.
Dr. M. Stefan Kosmowski is chairperson of Mercy’s Cancer Care Committee. Kathy Pittman serves as clinical nurse manager of the Dr. Joseph Washburn Oncology/Palliative Care Center. Dr. Cindie Wolff is the Cancer Liaison Physician for the Hospital Cancer Program at Mercy.
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