MWHC Regional Cancer Center Earns Rigorous Radiotherapy Certification

Third-party-administered, rigorous and voluntary certification process demonstrates Mary Washington Healthcare (MWHC) Regional Cancer Center’s ongoing commitment to high standards in radiotherapy delivery

Fredericksburg, VA, March 22, 2018 – Mary Washington Healthcare’s Regional Cancer Center announced today that it has become a Novalis® Certified Cancer Center after a rigorous certification process conducted by an independent, third party panel of experts in radiation therapy.

MWHC Regional Cancer Center is the first to become Novalis® Certified in the state of Virginia. The certification means the radiosurgery program at MWHC Regional Cancer Center meets or exceeds standards for quality and patient safety as verified by an independent group of experts. Stereotactic radiosurgery and stereotactic body radiation use high doses of radiation to destroy cancer. The techniques are often used to treat cancer in the brain and lungs. Unlike conventional radiation, fewer treatment doses are needed. Targeted tumors are destroyed to the point where the results can be compared with surgery—without the trauma of cutting through healthy brain or other structures to reach the tumor.

“At the MWHC Regional Cancer Center we strive to go above and beyond standard measurements for quality care delivery, including stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT),” states John Chinault, MD, Medical Director, Radiation Oncology, MWHC Regional Cancer Center. “Undertaking the Novalis Certified review demonstrates clear commitment that all of our physicians, staff and equipment are operating at the highest level of competency and expertise.”

A comprehensive review was conducted including quality, safety, clinical workflow and the full continuum of care across clinical, support and administrative levels. The MWHC Regional Cancer Center joins a prestigious community of hospitals that have demonstrated the requisite clinical capabilities and standards for treatment delivery.

“Novalis Certified validates the quality management measures of a radiosurgery program, and helps identify potential improvement and strengthening of patient safety guidelines,” said Bogdan Valcu, director, Brainlab clinical research and Novalis Circle. “Guidelines are based on best practice clinical and technical protocols and procedures. Through its peer-reviewed implementation, the program promotes continual self-assessment and quality improvement.”

Besides an assurance that the MWHC Regional Cancer Center meets strict standards, being a Novalis Certified Program offers other advantages. One of note is the ability to share information with other leading cancer programs. This worldwide communication and collaboration network shares new ideas on treating cancer, making existing techniques better and improving the safety of treatment.

Mary Washington Healthcare is a fully integrated, regional medical system that provides inpatient and outpatient care through 28 facilities, including Mary Washington Hospice, and services including Mary Washington Hospital, a 451-bed regional medical center, and Stafford Hospital, a 100-bed community hospital. Mary Washington Healthcare is a not-for-profit health system with a longstanding commitment to provide care regardless of ability to pay. For more information about our services and facilities, visit Mary Washington Healthcare website.

The Novalis Circle is a worldwide network of clinicians dedicated to the advancement of radiosurgery. Novalis® Radiosurgery users represent the leading edge in the application of Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) and Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) and their participation in the Novalis Circle community indicates their strong commitment to improving healthcare. Novalis Circle provides a communication and collaboration network for developing new ideas and optimizing treatments that will continue to change the face of cancer treatment. The Novalis Standard was established and approved by a Novalis Circle expert committee. For further information, visit Novalis Circle website.