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About Willmar Regional Cancer Center
As a Community Hospital Cancer Program approved by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer, Rice Memorial Hospital has been providing quality cancer care to adult patients since 1989.
In 2009, the cancer center completed an extensive remodeling and became known as the Willmar Regional Cancer Center (WRCC). The newly integrated center combined the medical oncology services of Affiliated Community Medical Center with the radiation oncology services of Rice Memorial Hospital into one comprehensive cancer treatment center. This joint venture is owned by Willmar Medical Services.
Also in 2009, WRCC began an affiliation with the Virginia Piper Cancer Institute® in order to provide the most comprehensive continuity of care for cancer patients in this region.
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- A Healing Environment
- Accreditation
Patients were at the very center of design decisions made in planning the cancer center. For example, our pharmacy and laboratory services are available within the care center so the patient doesn't have to travel to them.
The colors chosen in the decor and art work are soothing, calm colors that reflect nature; this includes the tones of the wood used, the paint colors, the flooring and tile accents.
The flooring and wall colors change at key points to help visitors find their way and reduce stress. Original photographs by Kerry Hogan of Willmar line the hallway that leads to the chemotherapy treatment area.
An aquarium was selected for its soothing nature and to further incorporate natural themes.
Patients have the option of semi-private or open bay treatment areas for chemotherapy. The open area is spacious and filled with natural light.
The semi-private chemo areas have natural reeds within frosted dividers between bays. Patients have the option of a large window or a wall with beautiful art work.
The main waiting area is peaceful and quiet, without overhead music, to further the healing atmosphere and to encourage conversation without having to speak loudly. There are sections for gathering over coffee, or for reading in a comfortable chair.
Complementary therapies such as massage and music are also offered in private rooms which can improve patients' well-being and also offer many health benefits.
The Commission on Cancer (CoC) of the American College of Surgeons (ACoS) has granted Three-Year Accreditation with Commendation to the Willmar Regional Cancer Center Program.
A facility receives a Three-Year Accreditation with Commendation following the on-site evaluation by a physician surveyor during which the facility demonstrates a commendation level of compliance with one or more standards that represent the full scope of the cancer program (cancer committee leadership, cancer data management, clinical services, research, community outreach, and quality improvement). In addition, a facility receives a compliance rating for all other standards.
What is the Commission on Cancer?
Established in 1922 by the American College of Surgeons, the CoC is a consortium of professional organizations dedicated to improving survival rates and quality of life for cancer patients through standard-setting, prevention, research, education, and the monitoring of comprehensive, quality care.
Its membership includes Fellows of the American College of Surgeons and 42 national organizations that reflect the full spectrum of cancer care.
The core functions of the CoC include setting standards for quality, multidisciplinary cancer patient care; surveying facilities to evaluate compliance with the 36 CoC standards; collecting standardized and quality data from accredited facilities; and, using the data to develop effective educational interventions to improve cancer care outcomes at the national, state, and local level.
What is the Accreditation Program?
The Accreditation Program, a component of the CoC, sets quality-of-care standards for cancer programs and reviews the programs to ensure they conform to those standards.
Accreditation by the CoC is given only to those facilities that have voluntarily committed to providing the highest level of quality cancer care and that undergo a rigorous evaluation process and review of their performance.
To maintain accreditation, facilities with CoC-accredited cancer programs must undergo an on-site review every three years.
How do patients benefit from a CoC-accredited program?
Receiving care at a CoC-accredited cancer program ensures that a patient will have access to:
- Comprehensive care, including a range of state-of-the-art services and equipment
- A multispecialty, team approach to coordinate the best treatment options
- Information about ongoing clinical trials and new treatment options
- Access to cancer-related information, education, and support
- A Cancer Registry that collects data on type and stage of cancers and treatment results and offers lifelong patient follow-up
- Ongoing monitoring and improvement of care
- Quality care close to home
What data is collected?
Cancer patient data are reported by each CoC-accredited cancer program to the CoC's national Cancer Data Base (NCDB), a joint CoC/American Cancer Society program.
The NCDB currently contains patient demographics, tumor characteristics, and treatment and outcome information for more than 18 million cancer patients diagnosed and treated at hospital cancer programs in the U.S. between 1985 and 2004.
These data account for approximately two-thirds of newly diagnosed cancer cases in the U.S. each year.
NCDB data is regularly used to monitor and improve the quality of patient care delivered in CoC-accredited cancer programs.
The CoC requires programs to implement quality improvement initiatives that promote the delivery of quality, multi-disciplinary cancer care and lead to ongoing educational interventions with local providers in the CoC-accredited cancer program.
This information is shared with the public on the American Cancer Society's website at www.cancer.org and through the American Cancer Society's National Cancer Information Center at 1.800.ACS.2345.
For more information about the Commission on Cancer, visit their website: www.facs.org/cancer.