PBMC Cancer Care Program Approved by
the American College of Surgeons

The Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons has granted three-year approval with commendation to the Cancer Care program at Penobscot Bay Medical Center.

"This is a significant recognition of the quality of care offered by our doctors, nurses and staff at the Cancer Care Center," said Dr. Dana Goldsmith, vice president for medical affairs at Penobscot Bay Medical Center. "It also emphasizes the value of state-of-the-art cancer care close to home for the people of Midcoast Maine."

The staff at the PBMC Cancer Care Center includes Dr. Karen Backman, Dr. Nadia Ramden, Holly Carlson, RN; Ginny Vaitones, certified oncology social worker; Veronica Cormier, cancer registrar, and the dedicated oncology nurses, medical assistants, and support staff.

"We are very proud of this certification," said Dr. Karen Backman, medical director of the Cancer Care Center. "We have maintained this certification since 1978. Our Midcoast communities are fortunate to have the quality and expertise of our cancer center staff. We pride ourselves in providing individualized care to all of our patients. I would also like to recognize the dedicated medical staff and other hospital personnel who provide excellent care to our patients and their families."

The Commission on Cancer sets standard for high quality, multidisciplinary cancer patient care and surveys facilities to evaluate compliance with 36 standards. Approval is given only to those facilities which have voluntarily committed to providing the highest level of quality cancer care and which undergo a rigorous evaluation process and review of their performance. To maintain approval, facilities with approved cancer programs submit to an on-site review every three years.

According to the CoC, an approved program ensures that a patient will have access to:

• Comprehensive care, including a range of state-of-the art services and equipment.
• A multi-specialty, team approach to coordinate the best treatment options.
• Information about ongoing clinical trials and new treatment options.
• Cancer-related information, education and support.
• A cancer registry which collects data on type and stage of cancers and treatment. results and offers lifelong patient follow-up.
• Ongoing monitoring and improvement of care.
• Quality care close to home.

PBMC's Cancer Care Program is one of 11 such certified programs in Maine. CoC approval is nationally recognized by the Joint Commission Accreditation of Hospitals, the American Cancer Society, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the National Cancer Institute.

To learn more about the PBMC Cancer Care Center, including its staff and community education programs, please call 596-8969 or visit online at pbmc.org/cancercare.