Thursday, February 7, 2008

Richardson Regional Cancer Center receives accreditation

By Pegasus News wire

Bonnie Perry, co-chair of the public capital campaign "Cancer Should Not Have the Last Word" for Richardson Regional Cancer Center, with Medical Director Dr. Barry Levinson and honorary co-chair Linda Armstrong Kelly, mother of seven-time Tour de France champion and cancer survivor Lance Armstrong.

The Commission on Cancer (CoC) of the American College of Surgeons has granted “Three-Year Approval with Commendation” to the cancer program at Richardson Regional Cancer Center, an affiliate of UT Southwestern Medical Center.

“This accreditation reaffirms our commitment to providing patients with the highest quality of cancer care – from diagnosis through treatment,” said Dr. Barry Levinson, medical director of Richardson Regional Cancer Center and associate professor of internal medicine in the division of hematology-oncology at UT Southwestern. “We have a highly experienced and dedicated team of cancer specialists, advanced equipment and services, and outstanding support and education programs.”

Richardson Regional Cancer Center offers a full range of chemotherapy and surgical treatment, genetic testing, clinical trials, and some of the most advanced radiation technology in the area, including IGRT and the Lance Armstrong Shaped Beam Surgery™ Program. In October 2008, the Cancer Center will have a new home at the hospital’s Bush/Renner campus in East Richardson.

“The new facility that is currently under construction will bring an enhanced level of care to the region,” Dr. Levinson said. “We will continue to make strides in the fight against cancer by offering innovative treatment options and focusing on clinical research.”

Established by the American College of Surgeons, the CoC sets nationwide standards for cancer care. There are currently 1,400 CoC-approved cancer programs across the country, representing close to 25 percent of all hospitals. To become a CoC-approved cancer program, facilities must undergo a rigorous evaluation process and review of their performance. In addition to meeting all of the CoC standards, Richardson Regional’s cancer program also earned commendations for its patient guidelines, community outreach programs, and staff education.

The Bush/Renner expansion project will cost nearly $41 million and is funded through a combination of tax-exempt bonds, local government funding and private contributions. The Richardson Regional Medical Center Foundation launched the capital campaign, “Cancer Should Not Have the Last Word,” with a goal to raise at least $5 million in order to receive a $4 million economic challenge grant from the City of Richardson. To date, the Foundation has raised nearly $4 million of the campaign goal through donations from individuals and other foundations.

Richardson Regional Medical Center, a community-owned hospital, has offered compassionate medical, surgical and behavioral health services to the community for more than 25 years. The hospital was the first health care facility in the state to receive the Texas Award for Performance Excellence.

Source: Richardson Regional Cancer Center

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