The oncology program has received its sixth consecutive three-year national accreditation with commendation from the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer. Accreditation from the Commission on Cancer means Baptist Health offers a full-service program with excellence in diagnostic and treatment-related services, cancer registry, patient support and community education and outreach. To maintain accreditation, facilities must undergo an on-site review every three years.
In addition, all registered nurses, both in radiation therapy and chemotherapy, are Oncology Certified Nurses (OCN), a certification of the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation. According to ONCC, nurses must maintain current and highly specialized knowledge to provide quality care because of rapid scientific and technologic advances in cancer care.
“We are thrilled that 100 percent of our cancer center nurses are now Oncology Certified Nurses,” said Mike Tutor, executive director for heart, oncology and imaging services. “Just like we strive to have a nationally accredited cancer center, our nurses strive to be the very best for the benefit of our patients.”
“These two outstanding accomplishments speak volumes about our commitment to cancer care,” said William A. Brown, hospital president. “Providing the best care in a state-of-the-art facility is our goal every day as we care for the patients we are privileged to serve.”
Baptist Health Paducah is celebrating 50 years of cancer care, following the area’s first cobalt treatment there in 1967. The multi-disciplinary program has been nationally-accredited since 2001, with the area’s only radiation oncology service accredited since 1998. Recent technology upgrades have included da Vinci robotic surgery, 3-D mammography and stereotactic radiosurgery, which can reduce radiation treatment from weeks to days.
The new cancer center opened to patients on July 10. It consolidates a variety of cancer services from across the hospital campus into one location. Patients can valet park at the door and get their labs and treatment all in the same sparkling new center, designed with a serene healing atmosphere.
