Press Release
Breast Center of Elmhurst Memorial Healthcare earns national accreditation
For immediate release, January 21, 2010
Contact
Kyle Bauer, Public Relations Coordinator, 630-993-5702
ELMHURST — The Breast Center of Elmhurst Memorial Healthcare (EMHC) was recently recognized for demonstrating a firm commitment to offering patients every significant medical advantage in the battle against breast disease. The recognition comes in the form of a three-year full accreditation by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC). The Breast Center at EMHC is one of only approximately 100 in the nation to successfully complete the rigorous evaluation and review process.
Accreditation by the NAPBC is given only to those centers that have voluntarily committed to provide the highest level of quality breast care and that undergo a rigorous evaluation process and performance review. During the accreditation process, the Breast Center at EMHC successfully demonstrated compliance with standards established by the NAPBC for treating women who are diagnosed with the full spectrum of breast disease. The standards include proficiency in the areas of center leadership, clinical management, research, community outreach, professional education and quality improvement. To maintain accreditation, the Breast Center at EMHC must monitor compliance with NAPBC standards to ensure quality care and undergo an on-site review every three years.
"We are honored to be among the small number of breast health centers to receive this national accreditation," said Jean Lydon, R.N., associate vice president of Patient Care Services at EMHC. "Having successfully completed this process means our patients can have the peace of mind of knowing that quality breast care is available close to home."
In addition, the Cancer Center at Elmhurst Memorial Hospital (EMH) recently received a three-year renewal of its approval with commendation as a Comprehensive Community Cancer Center. The Cancer Center at EMH has been accredited by the Commission on Cancer since 1970.
"We are proud to offer a wide variety of inpatient and outpatient services for oncology patients from diagnosis to definitive treatment," Lydon said. "As such, we always strive to provide the latest research, least invasive solutions and the most innovative therapies, including the latest FDA-approved drug therapies."
About the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers
The NAPBC is a consortium of professional organizations dedicated to the improvement of the quality of care and monitoring of outcomes of patients with diseases of the breast. This mission is pursued through standard-setting, scientific validation, and patient and professional education. Its board membership includes professionals from 15 national organizations that reflect the full spectrum of breast care. Administered by the American College of Surgeons, the NAPBC began development of its program in 2005; the formal process of surveying breast centers for accreditation started in September 2008. For more information, visit www.accreditedbreastcenters.org.
About the Commission on Cancer
The Commission on Cancer is a consortium of professional organizations dedicated to improving survival and quality of life for cancer patients through standard-setting, prevention, research, education and the monitoring of comprehensive quality care.