Shaw Center honored for excellence
EDWARDS — Shaw Regional Cancer Center recently added an important accreditation and recognition to its growing list of accomplishments.
The cancer center has received a three-year accreditation with commendation from the Commission on Cancer, a program of the American College of Surgeons that recognizes cancer centers for providing high-quality, patient-centered care. Shaw earned commendation for six of the seven performance standards, which means patients at Shaw receive extremely advanced, comprehensive cancer care here in Eagle County.
“By meeting the high standards of quality programs like the Commission on Cancer, our patients can be assured they are receiving world-class care,” said Doris Kirchner, president and CEO of Vail Valley Medical Center, of which Shaw is a department. “Recognition from experts in health care further validates we are accomplishing our mission to provide outstanding services to all whom we serve.”
The three-year accreditation with commendation is only awarded to facilities that exceed standard requirements at the time of the triennial survey. Commission on Cancer accreditation confirms Shaw’s quality of cancer care including prevention, early diagnosis, cancer staging, optimal treatment, rehabilitation, life-long follow-up for recurrent disease and end-of-life care.
In addition to the recent accreditation, Shaw is also certified by the American Society of Clinical Oncology, making it the second in the state of Colorado to achieve this designation, as well as the Quality Oncology Practice Initiative, which reflects the cancer center’s commitment to excellence and ongoing quality improvement in patient care.
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Sonnenalp Breast Center at Shaw has been awarded the American College of Radiology’s Breast Imaging Excellence Award, the highest accreditation achievable by breast imaging centers. The American College of Radiology has also accredited the breast center in mammography, stereotactic breast biopsy, breast ultrasound and breast ultrasound biopsy.
Other notable accomplishments include a $1.35 million grant from the American Society of Clinical Oncology Cancer Foundation and Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Dr. Patricia Hardenbergh, the director of radiation oncology at Shaw, was awarded the grant to improve cancer treatment for those living in rural areas.
In the fall of 2015, Shaw also announced the renewal of a 10-year partnership with University of Colorado, offering high country patients access to clinical trials and the expertise of big city specialists.