Good Samaritan Hospital Wins Award from Commission on Cancer

Good Sam is the Only Hospital in Dayton to receive Outstanding Achievement Award

DAYTON, OHIO, April 22, 2009 – Good Samaritan Hospital has been awarded the 2008 Commission on Cancer Outstanding Achievement Award from the American College of Surgeons.

The Commission on Cancer Award is designed to recognize cancer programs that achieve excellence in providing quality care to cancer patients. A facility receives the award following an on-site evaluation by a physician surveyor who determines that nine standards representing key areas of a cancer program are exceeded at the commendable level.  Some of the standards include research, quality improvement and clinical services.

Only 95 programs nationally received the Outstanding Achievement Award as a result of surveys performed in 2008, or 19 percent of the 478 programs surveyed during this period.

“At the Samaritan Cancer Center, we focus not only on using the latest technology to diagnose and treat cancer but also on the quality of clinical outcomes for each patient.  Physicians and staff truly communicate and collaborate to achieve the best possible results,” said Good Samaritan Hospital President and CEO Mark Shaker.

As an example, the Samaritan Cancer Center's Breast Cancer Program is the first in the nation to receive certification by the Joint Commission. The program works collaboratively with the Samaritan Breast Center, which provides advanced technology and leading-edge programs.

The Samaritan Cancer Center at Good Samaritan Hospital offers a wide range of services, including:

• Cancer genetics program
• Medical oncology/infusion services
• Radiation oncology
• Neuro-oncology
• Clinical trials
• High risk breast cancer program
• Breast cancer coordinator
• Lung cancer coordinator
• Melanoma coordinator
• Support groups
• Oncology data services