For Immediate Release: Oct. 25, 2010

Grady's Cancer Center for Excellence awarded accreditation by the American College of Surgeons

Contact: Denise Simpson
Phone: (404) 616-6855
E-mail: dsimpson@gmh.edu

The Georgia Cancer Center for Excellence at Grady Health System has been accredited by the American College of Surgeon's (ACOS) Commission on Cancer. Awarded with commendation for receiving a perfect score, the three year accreditation recognizes Grady's commitment to provide the best cancer diagnosis and treatment in compliance with established Commission on Cancer standards.

"We are excited and honored to be among the best cancer centers in the country," says Dr. Roland Matthews, Medical Director, Grady Cancer Center of Excellence. "The accreditation validates what we have known for some time; Grady provides high caliber patient-centered care."

Only about 25% of hospitals across the country have cancer centers accredited by the ACOS Commission on Cancer. The accreditation program encourages hospitals, treatment centers, and other facilities to improve their quality of patient care through a variety of cancer-related programs, including prevention, screening, education, optimal treatment, rehabilitation, support services, and end-of-life care.

"The Georgia Cancer Coalition is especially thrilled that Grady's Georgia Center for Cancer Excellence, one of our first investments, has been nationally recognized with exceptional commendations. It is very gratifying that the Commission's report recognized the ‘outstanding' cutting edge research of GCC Distinguished Cancer Scholars based at Grady and the clinical accruals to their own research protocols," said Bill Todd, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Georgia Cancer Coalition.

Building on the cancer center's commitment to quality patient care, Grady's Breast Center mammography suite is now all digital, resulting in faster, more accurate imaging, shorter examination times and significantly improved patient comfort and convenience. With the addition of digital mammography, all of Grady's breast imaging modalities are now digital, allowing for easier correlation and evaluation of patient test results.

"Our state-of-the-art equipment, along with our top physicians and staff make Grady a premiere center for cancer care," says Grady President and CEO Michael Young. "Now we have the accreditation of the American College of Surgeon's Commission on Cancer to further exemplify our commitment to excellence."

About Grady Health System
Grady Health System is one of the largest public health systems in the United States. Grady consists of the 953-bed Grady Memorial Hospital, nine neighborhood health centers, Crestview Health & Rehabilitation Center - and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Hughes Spalding, which is operated as a Children's affiliate.

With its nationally acclaimed Emergency Care Center and Burn Unit, Grady Health System has the only level I trauma center in the region and serves as the 911 ambulance provider for the city of Atlanta. The state's only Poison Center is housed at Grady, as well.

The Diabetes Detection & Control Center, Georgia Cancer Center for Excellence, Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center, Primary Stroke Center and Avon Foundation Comprehensive Breast Center are also notable components of the health system. Moreover, Grady's Infectious Disease Program was named one of the top three HIV/AIDS outpatient clinics in the country.

Other exceptional medical services include Grady's Regional Perinatal Center and its Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, the Primary Care Center, a dedicated 60 Plus service line for older adults, Teen Services, and the Rape Crisis Center.

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