The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

THE quality of care provided by the Bahamas Cancer Centre was recently validated by an accreditation from the American College of Radiation Oncology.

The Center received the accreditation for an additional three years for maintaining quality care and complying with existing rules, regulations and laws associated with the professional practice of radiation therapy treatment.

ACRO’s mission is to ensure radiation therapy patients are provided with the highest care. The accreditation programme assists this goal by evaluating medical practices through an in depth external review.

This is the third time the Bahamas Cancer Centre has been accredited by ACRO. It was first officially recognised by the institution in 2006.
Earlier this year the centre reapplied for the accreditation. Following a site visit by the US-based examiners, the centre achieved full accreditation until 2015.

Dr Arthur Porter, managing director of the Cancer Centre said the achievement is significant and is proof that the centre operates at a world class level. He also said it is important to have standards recognised internationally especially in the field of cancer where knowledge is constantly developing.

“One of the most important things is being able to get outside validation. To say that you are good is one thing, for someone else to say that you are good is better. There is no real proof in us saying that we are good and that we provide a high standard of care. This review shows we are really as good,” Dr Porter said.

ACRO’s accreditation programme is a voluntary process and involves a site review, review of equipment, staff, and case reports.

“It is not just an assessment of the building or the technology that we use, but how they are used and how we treat our patients. We are always nervous when they come but we are happy with the results.

The assessment keeps us on our toes. When we know that every year a group of people will be coming, it makes us think more about what we are doing,” he said.

Dr Porter said the centre must uphold a quality standard, to eliminate the need for Bahamian patients to undergo care outside of the country.

“Cancer treatment is usually a very long process and it makes it difficult when a patient has to go to another country they are not familiar with to be treated. But because of the standard we have maintained over the years, Bahamians can do their treatment in the country where their family and support system is. This is the same quality offered in the United States,” he said.

Dr Conville Brown, president and CEO of the Cancer Centre and the Medical Pavilion said: “This is a particularly proud occasion for us at the Medical Pavilion, as it clearly demonstrates that The Cancer Centre, Bahamas, stands amongst a select group of cancer centres formally recognised for their ability to deliver outstanding clinical service. Furthermore, I must express my appreciation to Dr Porter for his visionary leadership in providing oncology services of this international calibre,” he said.

The Cancer Centre Bahamas opened in 2004 and provides comprehensive oncology services.