Enhanced Accreditation

Sheryl Roberts, oncology program coordinator, and Nicholas Koutrelakos, M.D., Maryland Oncology Hematology.

During the past few years, hospital programs, departments and physicians who provide cancer services at Howard Country General Hospital have come together to form an integrated program for patients and providers alike. The result: A “Community Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Program”—the highest level award for community hospitals—by the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons.

During its recent survey, the hospital was in compliance with all accreditation standards and received commendations in all
possible areas; nine in total. 

President and CEO Victor
Broccolino says the hospital provides a “safety net” for cancer patients. “Other area hospitals have pieces of the program, but in our total-care approach, we are fortunate to have highly qualified professionals who make the pieces work together to serve our community.”

Patients are treated by multidisciplinary teams of medical and radiation oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, nurses, an oncology social worker and a patient navigator.

The hospital achieved the highest level of accreditation for many reasons. For example, there has been a significant increase in the number of patient cases reviewed at the hospital’s weekly cancer conferences, and a pain management specialist has been brought on board the hospital’s Cancer Committee. The American College of Surgeons also praised the cancer program’s extensive community outreach, including access to
additional key services, and cancer treatment studies.