CHI Saint Joseph Health – Cancer Care Centers and Flaget Memorial Earn National Accreditation from the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons

LEXINGTON The Commission on Cancer (CoC), a quality program of the American College of Surgeons (ACS), has granted Three-Year Accreditation to the CHI Saint Joseph Health – Cancer Care Centers in Lexington and Flaget Memorial in Bardstown. To earn voluntary CoC accreditation, a cancer program must meet 34 CoC quality care standards, be evaluated every three years through a survey process, and maintain levels of excellence in the delivery of comprehensive patient-centered care.

As CoC-accredited cancer centers, CHI Saint Joseph Health - Cancer Care Centers and Flaget Memorial take a multidisciplinary approach to treating cancer as a complex group of diseases that requires consultation among surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, diagnostic radiologists, pathologists, and other cancer specialists. This multidisciplinary partnership results in improved patient care. The cancer care centers’ affiliation with Cleveland Clinic Cancer Care provides another layer of care for patients in Kentucky, including easier access to second opinions from highly specialized cancer providers.

“The re-accreditation of our cancer care centers is another reflection of our incredible team who work both behind the scenes and on the front lines,” said Tony Houston, CEO, CHI Saint Joseph Health. “Our employees are passionate about the work they do, and are committed to our vision of a healthier future for all. Every day, they provide excellent care to patients who turn to our cancer program for healing.”

“Our cancer center offers patients worldclass care close to home, and we are thrilled to receive this accreditation, which further demonstrates our commitment to providing the best care in Nelson County,” said Jennifer Nolan, president, Flaget Memorial Hospital. “We know the work being done through our cancer program is saving lives, and we are thankful to have such compassionate team members who are making a difference each day in patients’ lives.”

The CoC Accreditation Program provides the framework for CHI Saint Joseph Health — Cancer Care Centers to improve the quality of patient care through various cancer-related programs that focus on the full spectrum of cancer care including prevention, early diagnosis, cancer staging, optimal treatment, rehabilitation, life-long follow-up for recurrent disease, and endof-life care. When patients receive care at a CoC facility, they also have access to information on clinical trials and new treatments, genetic counseling, and patient centered services including psycho-social support, a patient navigation process, and a survivorship care plan that documents the care each patient receives and seeks to improve cancer survivors’ quality of life.