For nearly 10 years, the expert medical teams from Saint Mary's Hospital, Waterbury Hospital, and the Harold Leever regional Cancer Center have worked in concert to deliver world-class cancer care.
Throughout that time, their shared vision of advanced, high-quality cancer care in a patient-centered, compassionate community has driven growth, advancement and technological leadership. And it hasn’t gone unnoticed: The National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), a program administered by the American College of Surgeons, recently awarded their top honor to The Breast Center of Greater Waterbury at the Leever Cancer Center.
“NAPBC accreditation is a meaningful achievement that reflects not only our commitment to providing state-of-the-art, comprehensive care for patients with breast disorders, but also that we effectively deliver that care in accordance with the industry’s highest quality standards,” explained Kevin Kniery, Executive Director of the Leever Cancer Center.
The Breast Center of Greater Waterbury was awarded full, three-year accreditation by exceeding NAPBC requirements in all 27 program standards and 17 program components of care. Collectively, those measures define comprehensive, efficient and advanced breast care at its best. All of the Breast Center’s individual service areas, from imaging to surgery, were awarded specialized accreditations.
Dr. Scott Kurtzman served as Chairman of the Breast Program Leadership Committee that shepherded The Breast Center of Greater Waterbury through the extensive accreditation process.
“NAPBC accreditation recognizes excellence at every level,” noted Dr. Kurtzman, “and comes as a result of a substantial requirement to demonstrate excellence in all areas of operation.”
Dr. Kurtzman is also Chairman of Surgery at Waterbury Hospital. All of the breast surgeons affiliated with Saint Mary’s and Waterbury hospitals participated in the process.
“The NAPBC review process was all-encompassing,” explained Dr. Kurtzman. “The fact that this was a true team effort with the surgical team leading the way was not only satisfying and rewarding, but a clear representation of the collaboration that makes the Leever Cancer Center unique.”
Accreditation ensures that Leever patients have access to: comprehensive care, including a full range of state-of-the-art services; multidisciplinary, expert teams working together to develop individualized treatment plans; information about ongoing clinical trials and new treatment options; and quality breast care close to home.
For more information, please visit the Leever Cancer Center website at leevercancercenter.org or the NAPBC site at www.facs.org/quality-programs/napbc.