SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., – The Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons has granted its Outstanding Achievement Award to Regional West Medical Center’s Cancer Program. This is the third consecutive Outstanding Achievement Award to be presented to Regional West Medical Center.

The award was presented to a select group of 90 accredited cancer programs, out of more than 1,500 accredited programs nationwide, which were surveyed in 2010. In addition, the Cancer Program received full three-year approval status by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer.

Only 13 other cancer programs in the U.S. have received three consecutive Outstanding Achievement Awards since the Commission on Cancer began conducting surveys in 2004. Among the three-time winners are George Washington University Hospital, Washington, DC., and the Naval Medical Center at San Diego, Calif. The nearest cancer program to receive the award is at Aberdeen, SD.

The award recognizes outstanding effort and commitment by the entire Regional West cancer team – from administration to all of the clinical and volunteer staff – to providing high quality cancer care patients of Regional West Medical Center.

“You have met the standards of our accreditation program, and have also excelled in the seven areas where commendation has been awarded. We at the Commission are certainly proud of your achievements and applaud you for your outstanding efforts,” said Stephen B. Edge, MD, FACS, Chairman, Commission on Cancer.

Approval by the Commission on Cancer is given only to those facilities that have voluntarily committed to provide the best in diagnosis and treatment of cancer and undergo a rigorous evaluation process and a review of its performance every three years.

“This award signifies that Regional West’s Cancer Program is one of an elite group of exceptional cancer programs nationwide,” said Todd Sorensen, MD, CEO of Regional West Health Services. “I thank our dedicated staff for exceeding the Commission on Cancer’s standards and, more important, I thank all of the patients and their families who place their trust in us for cancer care.”

“Part of what sets Regional West’s Cancer Program apart from the rest is its personalized approach and warm, supportive environment. Patients benefit from a customized, comprehensive care program developed by a highly-skilled team of cancer specialists, including experienced medical oncologists, a radiation oncologist, surgeons, radiologists, pathologists and family practice physicians, as well as skilled oncology nurses and other specially trained staff,” said Jeff Kriewald, BS, RT, (R), (T), Regional West Director of Cancer Services.

Regional West’s full continuum of cancer care is supported by the Cancer Treatment Center in Scottsbluff and Dorwart Cancer Care in Sidney. With two locations, residents of western Nebraska and portions of Wyoming, Colorado and South Dakota have the option of receiving the area’s most technologically advanced cancer care close to home.

Regional West Health Services is the parent company for Regional West Medical Center and Regional West Physicians Clinic. These organizations, with over 1,800 employees, provide comprehensive and innovative health care services for the people and communities of western Nebraska and the neighboring states of Colorado, South Dakota and Wyoming. With over 110 active physicians, 95 percent of whom are board certified or board eligible, plus an additional 25 consulting specialists, the Regional West family of health care organizations offers care that spans more than 30 medical specialties.