The American College of Radiology (ACR)* gave a full three-year accreditation to the Allison Radiation Oncology Center making it one of only six radiation oncology centers in Ohio to receive this recognition. Only 134 radiation oncology centers in the country have achieved this accreditation. This accreditation is awarded for the achievement of high practice standards. Evaluations are conducted by board certified physicians and medical physicists. They assess the qualifications of personnel, adequacy of equipment, as well as quality assessment and improvement activities including peer review.

The ACR certification tells the world that a facility has undergone a rigorous review process and meets nationally accepted standards of care. Accreditation demonstrates a commitment to quality care and patient safety through the use of qualified staff, appropriate equipment and adherence to quality assurance and safety guidelines. The American College of Surgeons, Commission on Cancer gave St. Rita's Regional Cancer Services a top rating of 1 on each of the 47 mandatory standards reviewed by outside health professionals. The group awarded St. Rita's the Community Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Program rating of 1 putting it in the top quarter of all cancer programs surveyed. St. Rita's Regional Cancer Services received no deficiencies thus allowing the high rating.

The Ohio Department of Health, Quality Assurance Review gave St. Rita's Cancer Registry excellent scores. Staffed by Betty Badertscher and Jane Merschman, the registry received a score of 99.8% for case ascertainment completeness and 98% for Data Quality from the Ohio Cancer Incidence Surveillance System (O.C.I.S.S.) review. This is exceptional scoring thanks to conscientious work of our cancer registry professionals and the ancillary team members who contribute to the overall success.

All St. Rita's Cancer Services are accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO).

At St. Rita's our oncology nurses are also awarded special accreditations. Nurses that are certified in oncology nursing (Oncology Certified Nurses-OCN) assure patients that they are receiving care from the most qualified nurses in the field. It also assures the patient that the nurses are aware of the most current issues and trends in oncology nursing. Many of nurses in St. Rita's Oncology Services cross-train and work in both the inpatient and outpatient units, with 89% of the nurses being certified in oncology nursing.

Oncology Certification is nationally recognized by the Oncology Nurses Society (ONS). ONS develops the certification exams and uses best practices in oncology nursing based on research. Nurses wanting oncology certification must successfully pass the examination and maintain a specific number of continuing education hours.

*St. Rita's Mammography services at the Women's Wellness Center and the MRI and CT Departments are also ACR accredited.