John Muir Health earns Network Cancer Program accreditation

John Muir Health’s Walnut Creek and Concord campuses have earned a three-year accreditation with commendation as a Network Cancer Program (NCP) from the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer (CoC), a consortium of professional organizations dedicated to improving survival and quality of life for cancer patients. John Muir Health is one of only two hospitals in California and the only one in the San Francisco Bay Area to receive the recognition.

“Our oncological services are built on John Muir Health’s tradition of providing leading-edge technology, excellent patient outcomes, and personalized, compassionate care,” said Brenda Carlson, Executive Director of Oncology Services, John Muir Health. “The Cancer Program accreditation is a tribute to the skilled and caring physicians, nurses, and staff whose commitment to outstanding patient care has earned this recognition.”

To earn the Cancer Program voluntary accreditation, John Muir Health was required to demonstrate its commitment to cancer patients by providing state-of-the-art medical imaging for screening and diagnosis, comprehensive lab services, outstanding surgical services, advanced radiation and chemotherapy, and multidisciplinary specialty teams that provide highly individualized patient care.

One of the innovative facets of the cancer program that John Muir Health offers to its patients is Nurse Navigators. “A Nurse Navigator is an Oncology Nurse with expertise in a certain cancer diagnosis and who is knowledgeable of the services in the Health System and the community,” said Vicki Rocconi, RN, OCN the Nurse Navigator for Breast Health Services and a cancer survivor. “We are available to assist patients through diagnosis, treatment and ongoing care. I am very fortunate to work for a health system that understands the various needs of our patients and provides this free service.”

John Muir Cancer Institute’s team of eight Nurse Navigators supports all cancer programs at the Walnut Creek and Concord campuses, including breast, thoracic, esophageal, colorectal, brain tumor and neuro-oncology, gynecological, and urological cancers. They work with physicians, other nurses, ancillary services and health care professionals to educate patients about their diagnostic and treatment options, connect them with ongoing services and support, and provide personalized attention to their medical and emotional needs.

Additional support services for John Muir Health’s cancer patients include:

• Genetic counseling and testing
• Second opinion and educational tumor boards
• Support groups
• Nutritional counseling
• Physical therapy
• Participation in clinical trials
• Survivorship program

“I am so proud that John Muir Health has been recognized with this accreditation,” said Dr. Deborah Kerlin, medical director, Breast Health Services, John Muir Health. “This achievement acknowledges all the collaborative efforts by the caregivers of our cancer patients.”