HMC Again Receives National Accreditation for Breast Center

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Medical Center (HMC) was again granted a three-year full accreditation designation by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), a program administered by the American College of Surgeons.

This is an accreditation that HMC has held since 2010. It was the first hospital in Western Mass. to receive the designation, said Oncology Medical Director Dr. Zubeena Mateen, adding that NAPBC accreditation is given only to those centers that have voluntarily committed to provide the highest level of quality breast care and that undergo a rigorous evaluation process and review of their performance.

“It is with great pride to have again received this accreditation. It represents that our staff has achieved excellence in the standards of care we provide,” said Spiros Hatiras, president and CEO of Holyoke Medical Center and Valley Health Systems Inc. “We have a state-of-the-art facility providing comprehensive and compassionate care to women for all breast diseases, from diagnosis and radiology through follow-up treatment. We are dedicated to providing the highest quality of care to women from throughout the Pioneer Valley and beyond.”

During the survey process, the center must demonstrate compliance with standards established by the NAPBC for treating women who are diagnosed with the full spectrum of breast disease. HMC was granted accreditation because of its proficiency and excellence in leadership, clinical management, research, community outreach, professional education, and quality improvement.

Receiving care at a NAPBC-accredited center ensures that a patient will have access to comprehensive care, including a full range of state-of-the-art services; a multi-disciplinary team approach to coordinate the best treatment options; information about ongoing clinical trials and new treatment options; and quality breast care close to home.