Stamford Hospital’s Breast Center has been granted a full, three-year accreditation by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), a program administered by the American College of Surgeons.
“It is a momentous honor to have again received this accreditation, as it signifies the tireless hard work and dedication put forth by our entire team, and I am so deeply appreciative of everyone who helps make our breast care program a ‘best practice,’” said David Gruen, MD, MBA, Director of Women’s Imaging and Co-Director, Stamford Hospital’s Breast Center. “We are so pleased to have been recognized and will continue to working to provide the highest quality care for patients diagnosed with breast disease.”
In 2009, Stamford Hospital was the first site in the nation to be accredited by the NAPBC, and was reaccredited in 2012. Accreditation by the NAPBC is given only to those centers that have voluntarily committed to providing the highest level of quality breast care and undergoing a rigorous evaluation process and review of their performance. A breast center that achieves NAPBC accreditation has demonstrated a firm commitment to offer its patients every significant advantage in their battle against breast disease.
“Our entire multidisciplinary team continuously evaluates clinical processes and programs to ensure we exceed the numerous standards outlined by the NAPBC,” said Helen A. Pass, MD, Director, Division of Breast Surgery, and Co-Director of the Breast Center. “It’s wonderful to know that our patients are comfortable and assured that they are receiving care in a center that is held to the highest of standards.”
The NAPBC accreditation challenges breast centers to enhance the care they provide by addressing patient-centered needs and measuring the quality of the care they deliver against national standards. During the survey process, the Women’s Breast Center demonstrated compliance with standards established by the NAPBC for treating women who are diagnosed with the full spectrum of breast disease. These standards include proficiency in the areas of: center leadership, clinical management, research, community outreach, professional education and quality improvement. Receiving care at a NAPBC-accredited center ensures that a patient will have access to comprehensive care, including a full range of state-of-the-art services; a multidisciplinary team approach to coordinate the best treatment options; information about ongoing clinical trials and new treatment options; and quality breast care close to home.
The NAPBC is a consortium of professional organizations dedicated to the improvement of the quality of care and monitoring of outcomes of patients with breast diseases. This mission is pursued through standard-setting, scientific validation, and patient and professional education. Its board membership includes professionals from 20 national organizations that reflect the full spectrum of breast care.
More information about screening and unique patient care and support programs can be found at Stamford Hospital’s Breast Center. You can learn more about the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers at www.accreditedbreastcenters.org.