Evergreen Healthcare's Cancer Program Awarded Nationally Recognized Accreditation, Lauded for Support Services

KIRKLAND, Wash., Oct. 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Evergreen Healthcare today announced that its comprehensive cancer program has achieved a three-year accreditation with commendation – the highest certified standard – for its commitment to superior cancer care, ongoing improvement and public accountability.

Evergreen earned accreditation and recognition from the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer (COC) by demonstrating excellence in the scope and organization of its cancer care services and its commitment to improving access to care and quality patient outcomes.

The COC is a nationally recognized consortium of professional organizations dedicated to improving the quality of life for cancer patients.  Evergreen's accreditation comes after an extensive, on-site inspection to evaluate its cancer program against 36 performance standards in eight categories established by the COC.  

Evergreen received positive ratings across all 36 standards and categories, which include institutional and programmatic resources, cancer committee leadership, cancer data management and cancer registry operations, clinical management, research, community outreach, professional education and staff support, and quality improvement.

"Accreditation from the COC reaffirms our commitment to providing the highest standard of cancer care and ensures our patients have access to the full scope of services to diagnose, treat, rehabilitate and support our patients and their families," said Evergreen Healthcare CEO Bob Malte.  "We are proud of our cancer services team for achieving this prestigious recognition and performing above even the most rigorous expectations."

Evergreen's cancer program was also recently recognized with an award for its community partnership with Seattle-based nonprofit Cancer Lifeline, which brings cancer support services into communities across the Puget Sound region.  

Cancer Lifeline's Outstanding Community Partner Award recognizes Evergreen's commitment to working with Cancer Lifeline to provide emotional support, resources, educational classes and exercise programs designed to support people in all stages of the cancer process.  

Evergreen offers a fully integrated approach to cancer care that combines advanced detection and treatment technology, an expert clinical staff and a full range of educational, preventive and support services. To learn more about cancer care services at Evergreen Healthcare, visit http://www.evergreenhospital.org/cancer, or simply call the 24-hour Evergreen Healthline at 425.899.3000.  

About Evergreen Healthcare

Evergreen Healthcare, a public hospital district and community-based health care organization established in 1972, offers a breadth of services and programs that is among the most comprehensive in the region. More than 950 physicians provide clinical excellence within more than 80 specialties, including cardiac, oncology, surgical care, orthopedics, a neuroscience institute, women's and children's services, hospice care, pulmonary care, a sleep disorders center and home services care. Evergreen serves more than 400,000 residents in its primary service area of north King and south Snohomish counties with Evergreen Medical Group, a network of primary and urgent care practices, and Evergreen Hospital Medical Center, its main hospital campus in Kirkland, Wash. Evergreen also provides emergency care at two sites: its main hospital campus and the Evergreen Redmond Medical Center. In addition to clinical care, Evergreen offers extensive community health outreach and education programs, anchored by Evergreen Healthline, a 24/7 nurse consultation service. For more information, visit www.evergreenhealthcare.org.

CONTACTS:

Kay Taylor
VP of Marketing
Evergreen Healthcare
425.899.2604

Kristi Clough
Firmani + Associates Inc.
206.443.9357
[email protected]

SOURCE Evergreen Healthcare