NCH becomes fourth Illinois hospital to receive radiation oncology accreditation

Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights has been awarded a three-year accreditation in radiation oncology by the American College of Radiology and the American Society for Radiation Oncology. Northwest Community is just the fourth Illinois hospital to earn this distinction.

Radiation oncology, also known as radiation therapy, is the careful use of high-energy radiation to treat cancer. Accredited hospitals are known for providing the highest levels of quality care and patient safety.

“This accreditation is a significant accomplishment and reflects the hard work and dedication of our highly skilled team,” said Keith Ammons, director of Radiation Oncology and Cancer Services at NCH.

Northwest Community earned the accreditation by meeting or exceeding specific practice guidelines and technical standards. Patient care and treatment, patient safety, personnel qualifications, adequacy of facility equipment, quality control procedures, and quality assurance programs were thoroughly assessed. The hospital also underwent a rigorous on-site review by board-certified radiation oncologists and medical physicists who are experts in the field.

“There’s no stone left unturned when you’re seeking an accreditation of this magnitude,” Ammons said.

With increased national attention on the safe delivery of radiation treatments, patients can rest assured that NCH’s Radiation Oncology Department is a trusted source for cancer care.

“It’s all about offering patients the best treatments available while making patient safety the top priority,” said Dr. Stephen Nigh, medical director of Radiation Oncology at NCH. “We strive to do what’s right for each and every patient.”

For more details on Northwest Community Hospital’s radiation oncology services, visit www.nch.org.