Contra Costa Regional Medical Center Honored for Cancer Care

Congratulations to all-

Contra Costa Regional Medical Center Honored for Cancer Care

Contra Costa Regional Medical Center’s (CCRMC) Cancer Program is one of only three California hospitals to receive the 2009 Outstanding Achievement Award from the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer.

The Chicago-based Commission on Cancer recognizes accredited cancer programs that “strive for excellence in providing quality care to cancer patients.”

CCRMC Cancer Program Medical Director Dr. Sharon Hiner said the recognition reflects the program’s commitment to quality.

“This is a great honor and it recognizes that we are a state-of-the-art facility. Not everyone knows that public hospitals like ours provide such excellent care,” Dr. Hiner said. “As the county health system, our mission is to serve the underserved and we believe our patients deserve the best care possible. This award shows that we are doing just that.”

For 41-year-old breast cancer patient Janet Morris the cancer program has been a godsend. She discovered a lump shortly after she had lost her job and health insurance last year.

“I was a little scared about going to a county hospital, but now I feel it was the most lucky thing to happen to me because I got such wonderful care,” said Morris, who lives in Richmond. “I felt very welcome. They are so caring, competent and loving.”
Not only is Morris receiving top notch care at CCRMC, she also is participating in clinical trials that give her access to some of the best new cancer drugs.

CCRMC’s cancer program was accredited in 1987 and is part of the Contra Costa Health Services county health system. “We are able to enroll more patients into clinical trials than some university hospitals, which means patients have access to cutting edge treatments. Over the past year, the cancer program has seen a 30 percent increase in patients likely due to more awareness about the program and a jump in the number of people losing their health insurance", Dr. Hiner said.

The CCRMC Cancer Program also recently issued its 2010 Annual Report. The annual report includes an in-depth look at breast cancer treatment at CCRMC. For the Commission on Cancer’s full award list, visit their site here.