News

Shaw Cancer Center Recognized for Excellence

Edwards CO— Shaw Cancer Center recently added an important accreditation and recognition to its growing list of accomplishments.

The cancer center located in Edwards received a three-year accreditation with commendation from the Commission on Cancer (CoC) a program of the American College of Surgeons that recognizes cancer centers for providing high-quality patient-centered care. Shaw earned commendation for six of the seven performance standards which means patients at Shaw receive the most advanced comprehensive cancer care right here in Eagle County.

“By meeting the high standards of quality programs like the Commission on Cancer our patients can be assured they are receiving world-class care” said Doris Kirchner president and CEO of Vail Valley Medical Center of which Shaw is a department. “Recognition from experts in healthcare further validates we are accomplishing our mission to provide outstanding services to all whom we serve.”
The three-year accreditation with commendation is only awarded to facilities that exceed standard requirements at the time of the triennial survey. CoC accreditation confirms Shaw's quality of full-spectrum cancer care including prevention early diagnosis cancer staging optimal treatment rehabilitation life-long follow-up for recurrent disease and end-of-life care.
In addition to the CoC accreditation Shaw is also certified by the American Society of Clinical Oncology making it the second in the state of Colorado to achieve this designation as well as the Quality Oncology Practice Initiative© (QOPI) which reflects the cancer center's commitment to excellence and ongoing quality improvement in patient care.
Sonnenalp Breast Center at Shaw has been awarded the American College of Radiology's (ACR) Breast Imaging Excellence Award the highest accreditation achievable by breast imaging centers. The ACR has also accredited the breast center in mammography stereotactic breast biopsy breast ultrasound and breast ultrasound biopsy.

Other notable accomplishments include a $1.35 million grant from the American Society of Clinical Oncology Cancer Foundation® and Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. Dr. Patricia Hardenbergh the director of radiation oncology at Shaw was awarded the grant to improve cancer treatment for those living in rural areas.

Last fall Shaw also announced the renewal of a 10-year partnership with University of Colorado offering high country patients access to clinical trials and the expertise of big city specialists.

About Shaw Regional Cancer Center
Shaw Regional Cancer Center at Vail Valley Medical Center is for anyone seeking comprehensive cancer care in a peaceful and intimate setting. Patients travel to Shaw for its Ivy League doctors top-of-the-line equipment—including Image Guided Radiation Therapy and 3D mammography—and impeccable reputation for breast and prostate cancer treatment. The multidisciplinary approach of its cancer care team benefits each patient's individualized treatment plan supporting the patient and family through treatment all the way to survivorship. Shaw also offers Jack's Place a complimentary 12-room cancer caring lodge that allows patients and their caregiver to receive treatment at Shaw and take respite right next door. Jack's Place and Shaw Regional Cancer Center are outpatient departments of Vail Valley Medical Center a 501(c)(3) nonprofit medical center since 1965.