HERSHEY, Pa. — Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center has been recognized by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) as a Surgical Quality Partner through participation in the organization’s Commission on Cancer.
The ACS Commission on Cancer is a group of professional organizations dedicated to improving survival and quality of life for patients with cancer by setting high standards of care standards.
“We are proud to have earned this distinction as an ACS Surgical Quality Partner,” said Dr. Michael Reed, chief of the Division of Thoracic Surgery and Cancer Committee chair at Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and professor of surgery at Penn State College of Medicine. “It reflects the highest level of comprehensive and multidisciplinary cancer care we provide to all our patients. This accreditation is also an endorsement of the dedication and expertise of our health professionals at Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.”
Hospitals recognized as Surgical Quality Partners have effectively demonstrated their dedication to providing the tools and resources necessary to make quality a top priority. This designation assures patients that they can expect top-tier care driven by data, expert input and proven processes.
“Our designation as an ACS Surgical Quality Partner reflects our continuous efforts to minimize complications, improve outcomes, and ultimately save lives through exceptional surgical care,” said Dr. Neerav Goyal, a head and neck surgical oncologist at Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and the Cancer Liaison Physician for the Cancer Committee.
The Commission on Cancer awards accreditation to programs that meet its high standards for cancer care. Accredited programs undergo a thorough review every three years to ensure continued compliance. These standards ensure that patients receive a full range of diagnostic, treatment and supportive services, either on-site or through referrals, including access to community resources.
“ACS quality programs are grounded in more than a century of experience, and participation is an important measure of a hospital’s surgical quality,” said Dr. Patricia Turner, ACS executive director and CEO. “As an ACS Surgical Quality Partner, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center has shown a commitment to providing the best possible patient care, evaluating that care in a rigorous fashion and dedicating themselves to continuous self-improvement.”
The ACS is dedicated to improving surgical care by focusing on three critical components: care, evaluation and improvement. Its accreditation and verification programs, guidelines and tools improve quality in trauma, cancer, breast disease, bariatrics, children’s, geriatrics and overall surgical care.