Opelousas General Health System and Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center Attain National Accreditation from the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer

Opelousas General Health System and Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center at Opelousas General has announced that it has received accreditation under the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Commission on Cancer (CoC) Accreditation Program.

The ACS CoC is a consortium of professional organizations dedicated to improving survival and quality of life for patients with cancer by setting and raising standards.  

CoC accreditation is granted to institutions committed to providing high-quality cancer care by demonstrating compliance with the CoC standards. Each cancer program must undergo a rigorous evaluation and review of its performance and compliance with the CoC standards. To maintain accreditation, cancer programs must undergo a site visit every three years. The CoC accreditation standards supply the structure for providing all patients with a full range of diagnostic, treatment, and supportive services either on-site or by referral, including community-based resources. 

"ACS Quality programs are grounded in more than a century of experience and participation is an important measure of a hospital’s surgical quality. As an ACS Surgical Quality Partner, Opelousas General Health System has shown a commitment of providing the best possible patient care, evaluating that care in a rigorous fashion, and dedicating themselves to continuous self-improvement," said ACS Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer Patricia L. Turner, MD, MBA, FACS. 

As a CoC-accredited institution, Opelousas General Health System also becomes an ACS Surgical Quality Partner. Being a Surgical Quality Partner signifies an institution’s dedication to consistently improving procedures and approaches, while maintaining a critical eye on process at every step. The Surgical Quality Partner designation lets patients know that Opelousas General Health System is dedicated to quality and relentless self-improvement and has been verified or accredited by the ACS. Patients can trust that the care they receive at Surgical Quality Partner hospitals adheres to the most rigorous standards in surgical quality. 

“We are immensely honored to receive the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer Surgical Quality Partner Designation.  This recognition demonstrates our unwavering commitment to our community in providing the highest standards of surgical care and quality.  It’s a testament to the dedication of our entire healthcare team in ensuring that our patients receive the best possible treatment and outcomes.  We are very proud to be designated as an American College of Surgeons CoC designated facility since 1992,” said Tim Marks, Chief Professional Services Officer.

"When Mary Bird Perkins teamed up with Opelousas General Health System, our focus was on creating an exceptional cancer care environment for the Acadiana region centered on our patients and their families. This accreditation speaks volumes about our dedicated cancer care team and collaborative approach to excellence. It's a reassurance to the community that you don't need to go far for leading-edge cancer treatment,” said Jodi Conachen, chief operating officer, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center.

“As a surgeon at our health system, I’m proud to be part of a team that has been recognized by the American College of Surgeons.  This award reflects our tireless efforts to improve surgical quality and patient outcomes.  It’s a validation of our dedication to excellence in cancer care, and I’m thrilled to be a part of this continuous journey towards excellent patient care,” said Dr. M. Andrew Sicard, General Surgeon, Chairman of Surgery.

Learn more about the CoC Accreditation Program. 

About Opelousas General Health System

Since 1957, Opelousas General Health System has been dedicated to the provision of quality health care through its strong commitment and high standards.  Central to the success of OGHS's commitment for excellence is the presence of an outstanding and highly qualified staff of physicians, nurses, technologists and other personnel who provide professional treatment in a caring environment.  Serving as the region's referral medical center, OGHS is a 197-bed, full service medical center, and the area's most comprehensive community health care facility offering a wide range of medical specialties and state-of-the-art technology. Visit us at www.opelousasgeneral.com.

About Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center
Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center is a regional cancer care organization that has been fighting cancer for more than 50 years. The cancer care organization provides care at 10 centers in Baton Rouge, Covington, Gonzales, Hammond, Houma, Opelousas, Slidell, and Natchez, Mississippi, and its service area encompasses southeast Louisiana and southwest Mississippi regions. Mary Bird Perkins has a strategic affiliation with OneOncology and the largest radiation and medical oncology groups from across the area including exclusive partnerships with Southeastern Louisiana Radiation Oncology Group, which provides radiation therapy throughout Mary Bird Perkins’ service areas, Northshore Oncology Associates, serving St. Tammany and Washington Parishes, specifically the communities of Covington and Slidell and Louisiana Hematology Oncology Associates, which services the Greater Baton Rouge area. For more information, please visit www.marybird.org.

About the American College of Surgeons 

The American College of Surgeons is a scientific and educational organization of surgeons that was founded in 1913 to raise the standards of surgical practice and improve the quality of care for all surgical patients. The College is dedicated to the ethical and competent practice of surgery. Its achievements have significantly influenced the course of scientific surgery in America and have established it as an important advocate for all surgical patients. The College has more than 88,000 members and is the largest organization of surgeons in the world. “FACS” designates that a surgeon is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. 

About the Commission on Cancer

Established in 1922 by the American College of Surgeons, the CoC is a consortium of professional organizations dedicated to improving patient outcomes and quality of life for cancer patients through standard-setting, prevention, research, education, and the monitoring of comprehensive, quality care.  Its membership includes Fellows of the American College of Surgeons.  For more information, visit: www.facs.org/cancer

(First picture) Pictured from left:  Louise Pilgreen, RN; Dr. John Anderson, Radiation Oncologist; Curtis Vasseur, Tumor Registrar; Tim Marks, Chief Professional Services Officer and Renee Fontenot, Cancer Program Director.

(Second picture) Pictured seated from left:  Dr. Karen Simpson, Pathologist; Dr. Samantha Vidrine, OB/GYN; Dr. Kim Dakin, Otolaryngologist (Chief of Staff) and Chrissy Lalonde, Pathologist.  Pictured standing from left:  Tim Marks, Chief Professional Services Officer, Dr. Damian Badeaux, OB/GYN; Dr. Andrew Sicard, General Surgeon; Dr. Siby Ayalloore, Cardiologist and Anita Champagne, Clinical Coordinator of Surgery.