UPMC Whitfield Cancer Centre Receives Joint Commission International Accreditation for 4th time, meeting highest standards of safety and quality

For the fourth time since 2008, UPMC Whitfield Cancer Centre in Waterford has successfully achieved accreditation from the Joint Commission International (JCI).

This recognition is based on an extensive review of the centre’s patient safety and quality standards and processes.

 

 

The JCI is the recognised leader in international health care accreditation and is considered the gold standard in global health care. Its accreditation process focuses on determining whether a health care facility has the right systems and processes in place to support high-quality and safe patient care, and has the culture and capacity to continuously improve care. JCI’s surveyors examine crucial issues such as patient and family education, access to care and medication management. The process requires hospitals to demonstrate a track record of standards compliance and relies on candid interviews with patients, nurses and physicians about care practices.

 

“The success of this, our fourth, accreditation survey reflects the ongoing efforts of the whole Cancer Centre team and their dedication to continuing to provide a quality service to all cancer patients in the southeast region,” said Catriona McDonald, director of operations.

 

“Demonstrating compliance with JCI standards serves as validation of an organization’s commitment to an internationally recognized, time-tested and comprehensive level of quality,” explained Cheryl Brill, UPMC’s senior vice president of international clinical operations and quality. “This outstanding result is a testament to the UPMC Whitfield Cancer Centre staff and to their commitment to excellence in the treatment of patients.”

 

Since 2006, UPMC Whitfield Cancer Centre has offered the most advanced radiation therapy, including intensity-modulated radiation therapy and image-guided radiation therapy, to residents of the southeast region of Ireland. One of only four ambulatory care centers to be JCI-accredited in Ireland, the centre is committed to delivering the highest standard of radiation therapy and supportive care for patients with all types of cancer.