This year, Southcoast Health’s Radiation Oncology program was awarded a three-year reaccreditation from the American College of Radiology (ACR). This extends the program’s recognition as an ACR Radiation Oncology Accredited Facility until June 30, 2028, at both the Fall River and Fairhaven Southcoast Health Cancer locations.

“Following the American College of Radiology’s audit of our program, the surveyors shared extremely positive feedback. This high praise is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our team, with whom I am honored to work with every day to help improve our patients’ outcomes,” said Patrick J. Gagnon, MD, MS, Chief of Radiation Oncology and Chief Medical Information Officer at Southcoast Health. “When you come to Southcoast Health Cancer for treatment, you can rest assured you are receiving the best care, treatments and personalized service. Earning this reaccreditation is another example of how Southcoast Health is committed to providing the most advanced technology and treatments directly to our communities across the South Coast region.”

Radiation oncology (radiation therapy) is a specific type of cancer treatment that uses high-energy radiation to treat cancer. A radiation oncologist may use radiation to cure cancer or to help relieve pain. It is often used in addition to other cancer treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy and immune therapy throughout a patient’s care journey.

“This reaccreditation is a direct result of the dedication of our entire team of providers, nurses and staff to our patients,” said Sheri Weintraub, PhD, DABR, Chief Physicist and Director at Southcoast Health. “I am so proud to be a part of this remarkable team that is motivated by our commitment to always bring the highest level of care to our patients in an ever-changing environment.”

The ACR is the nation’s oldest and most widely accepted radiation oncology accrediting body, with over 700 accredited sites, and 30 years of accreditation experience. The ACR gold seal of accreditation represents the highest level of quality and patient safety.

For clinical sites to earn this recognition they participate in an evaluation of criteria including patient care and treatment, patient safety, personnel qualifications, adequacy of facility equipment, quality control procedures, and quality assurance programs are assessed. The findings are reported back to the facility and provides the practice with a comprehensive report they can use for continuous practice improvement.

The accreditation is then awarded only to facilities meeting specific requirements-based practice guidelines and technical standards developed by ACR after a peer-review evaluation by board-certified radiation oncologists and medical physicists who are experts in the field.

To learn more about cancer care and treatment options at Southcoast Health, please visit Southcoast Health Cancer.