Allina's Mercy and Unity hospitals earn national cancer care award
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. 05/06/2010--Allina's Mercy and Unity Cancer Centers have received the 2009 Outstanding Achievement Award from the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons. The prestigious award recognizes programs that strive for excellence in providing quality care to cancer patients.
"It is the community that really benefits from quality cancer care close to home. We are fortunate to have a comprehensive staff and dedicated physicians who work as a team to provide the best treatment options, information and support for cancer patients and their families," said Tom O'Connor, president of Mercy Hospital.
"Our cancer program provides outstanding care rarely seen in a community hospital. It's hard to believe that our cancer program can be even better, but we are always improving," said John Stoltenberg, MD, interim president of Unity Hospital. "We are currently building a Virginia Piper Cancer Institute at Unity. When it's complete, patients and families will experience a welcoming and healing environment, in addition to the comprehensive care they need and deserve."
Commission on Cancer's Outstanding Achievement Award
Cancer centers that are granted the Commission on Cancer's Outstanding Achievement Award demonstrate compliance with multiple program activities and standards including cancer committee leadership, cancer data management, research, community outreach and quality improvement.
In addition, the Commission recognized additional services provided at both hospitals, such as the Neighbors Caring for Neighbors. This program connects patients with providers who offer massage, healing touch, legal and other services.
Mercy and Unity Cancer Centers were among 82 award winners, representing only 18 percent of 432 programs that were surveyed in 2009.
Robotic cancer surgery
Surgeons at Mercy Hospital are performing more and more complex procedures — including prostate, heart, kidney and gynecological surgery — using robotics. Because the incisions are so small, patients have less pain and recover faster. There is less blood loss and surgeons can operate with greater precision.
For more about the 2009 Commission on Cancer Outstanding Achievement Award, go to facs.org/cancer.
Cancer centers at Mercy and Unity hospitals
The cancer centers at Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids and Unity Hospital in Fridley offer comprehensive care including:
- risk assessment and genetics counseling
- cancer screening
- diagnostic and interventional radiology
- treatment by surgery, radiation therapy and medical oncology.
Ongoing care is provided for people in remission, as well as for those living with cancer.
More about Mercy and Unity hospitals
Mercy and Unity hospitals, located in Coon Rapids and Fridley, are non-profit hospitals that serve the northwestern Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area. Both are part of Allina Hospitals & Clinics.
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