The Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons has again granted approval to Harrison’s cancer program, acclaim the hospital has earned for 20 years. Approval by the Commission is given to those facilities that voluntarily commit to provide the best in diagnosis and treatment of cancer and undergo a rigorous evaluation process and a review of its performance. In order to maintain approval, programs must undergo an onsite review every three years.

Only one in four American hospitals receives approval by the 70-year-old Commission, which establishes national standards and monitors progress in the areas of treatment, educational programs, and a cancer registry.

Harrison’s Oncology Services — long recognized as a Center of Excellence — provides the full range of standard cancer treatments, including the newest drug protocols, chemotherapy regimens, and radiation therapy. The hospital’s Radiation Oncology Center, which opened on the main campus in East Bremerton in 2000, offers the most advanced technological tools available, including the linear accelerator, which creates high-energy radiation, permitting greater precision and an improved success rate.

Contributing to the well being of families and loved ones whose support is critical at this time is important, explains Kay Buitenveld, RN, Harrison’s Oncology Services director. “We’ve learned a great deal about how surroundings can promote recovery.”

The hospital’s 24-bed oncology inpatient unit recently was moved from its fourth-floor location to link to the Radiation Oncology Center on the second floor where the two share functions and activities. The renovated unit now offers a more comfortable and pleasant environment—refurbished rooms with rich woods and soothing colors — and amenities for families, such as window seating and sleep chairs. Still to come are a humor room, kitchen, and sleep room for families, and a playroom.

Education is an important component to maintaining a Center of Excellence. Harrison helps patients and their families deal with the challenges of the disease through ongoing support groups. The hospital also hosts free cancer screenings throughout the year.

Harrison takes part in cancer registry programs at the state and national levels: the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Surveillance System; the Washington State Cancer Registry; and the National Cancer Database. Such programs collect and track statistical information of cancer patients, data that helps not only in the understanding of cancer but in the development of strategies for prevention, treatment, and control.

Harrison pathologist Samuel Hammar, MD, says the hospital’s Anatomical Pathology Department rivals any in the state, enabling sophisticated testing, “crucial to accurate staging of cancers, which lead to more accurate diagnoses and treatment. With a state of-the-art electron microscope, we’re the regional center for electron-microscopic tumor diagnoses.”

While Harrison’s participation in the Cancer Commission’s review process is demanding, it’s critical says Dr. Hammar. “It’s part of our unwavering commitment to the highest standards in patient care.”.