The Nash Cancer Treatment Center recently received a Three-Year Approval with Commendation from the American College of Surgeons, earning four honors for health care excellence. The approval is the result of an intensive accreditation process and on-site survey by the Commission on Cancer program of the American College of Surgeons. This voluntary evaluation is designed to promote quality cancer treatment programs and improve the quality of life for cancer patients. It is estimated that Approved Programs across the country—such as the Nash Cancer Treatment Center-- diagnose and treat 80 percent of all new cancer cases each year.

The Nash Cancer Treatment Center, located at Nash Day Hospital on the campus of Nash Health Care Systems, earned commendations for outstanding quality in four areas: extensive analysis of treatment results, error-free cancer data management, outstanding clinical services, and community outreach programs that offer free cancer screenings and early detection programs throughout the year. The Nash Cancer Treatment Center joins 1,500 facilities nationwide that have gained approval of their cancer treatment programs.

“This is a testimony to the hard work and dedication of our employees,” said Sandra Todd-Atkinson, senior vice president of specialty hospitals. “To receive commendation in four different areas is truly an outstanding achievement. This reflects our dedication to provide the best in comprehensive cancer treatment close to home.”

Established in 1922 by the American College of Surgeons, the Commission on Cancer (CoC) is a consortium of professional organizations dedicated to improving survival rates and quality of life for cancer patients through standard-setting, prevention, research, education and monitoring comprehensive, quality care.

The Nash Cancer Treatment Center was developed by Drs. Patrick J. Cavanaugh and Hewlett Connell more than 20 years ago. Since then, the Nash Cancer Treatment Center has given more than 34,000 treatments and has implemented the use of state-of-the-art technology, including the recent addition of a new linear accelerator—a machine which delivers radiation treatments with pinpoint accuracy in order to destroy cancer cells. In addition, the Nash Cancer Treatment Center paved the way for PET scans to be available locally. PET scans are used to help locate, classify and diagnose cancer cells. The center also provides a wealth of educational resources on cancer, links to local support groups and annual free cancer screenings made possible by support from local physicians.

Nash Health Care Systems is a not-for-profit hospital authority comprised of four distinct hospitals on one campus: Nash General Hospital, Nash Day Hospital, Coastal Plain Hospital and the Bryant T. Aldridge Rehabilitation Center. The Nash Cancer Treatment Center is located at Nash Day Hospital. For more information on the Nash Cancer Treatment Center and treatment options close to home, call 1-866-478-3471 or visit www.nhcs.org.