The American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer has notified The Westerly Hospital that it has been awarded with a “Three Year with Commendation” approval for its cancer program.  This approval was the result of a rigorous review done by the Chicago, Illinois-based American College of Surgeons in September, 2008.

Approval by the Commission on Cancer is given only to those healthcare facilities that voluntarily commit to meeting Commission standards in the diagnosis and treatment of cancers.  Hospital activities relating to prevention, early diagnosis, pretreatment evaluation, staging, optimal treatment, rehabilitation, surveillance for recurrent disease and multiple primary tumors, psychosocial support and end-of-life care must meet the Commission standards in order for approval to be granted.

Only one in four hospitals that treat cancer patients receives Commission approval.  Of these hospitals, only 40% receive full approval or approval-with-commendation.  The Westerly Hospital achieved a commendation-level grade approval in nine out of nine possible areas.