Lee Memorial Health System receives highest rating from Commission on Cancer

The Commission on Cancer has designated Lee Memorial Health System as a Community Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Program, the highest accreditation possible from the CoC for a non-teaching hospital.

Only one in four cancer programs has received this level of accreditation from the CoC, which was established in 1922 by the American College of Surgeons to improve the survival rates and quality of life for cancer patients. The CoC sets standards for prevention, research, education and by monitoring quality of care.

"This accreditation makes us part of an elite number of cancer centers in the nation that have met or exceeded expectations in cancer care," said Dr. James Orr with Florida Gynecologic Oncology, one of the physician practice partners with LMHS' new Regional Cancer Center.

Seeking accreditation is voluntary, and cancer programs must be evaluated every three years thereafter, he says.

There are 36 standards that a cancer program must meet to receive accreditation from the CoC, said Maureen Curcio, CTR, supervisor of the Cancer Data Center for LMHS. "In order to have a strong and successful cancer program, you must have accreditation from the Commission on Cancer."

Lee Memorial Health System has received seven commendations from the CoC, she said.

Patients being treated at a CoC can be assured that they will receive comprehensive, multi-disciplinary care by specialists who are at the top of their game, said Dr. Orr. "Cancer patients in this area can know that they are receiving quality cancer care and have access to cutting-edge technology close to home," he said.