March 13, 2000
(Health and Community Services)

The following news release was issued by Newfoundland Cancer Treatment and Research Foundation(NCTRF) Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Centre, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador:

Newfoundland Cancer Treatment and Research Foundation 
achieves its first accreditation with honours

The Newfoundland Cancer Treatment and Research Foundation is proud to announce that, following a comprehensive audit in November 24-26, 1999, our organization has been granted its first ever accreditation award by the Canadian Council on Health Services Accreditation. A full three-year accreditation is the highest level of accreditation status now available in Canada.

Bertha Paulse, chief executive officer, stated: "We are proud of this outcome because it indicates that, despite the change which restructuring has brought, and the challenges of fiscal restraints, staff remain committed to providing quality health care services. Accreditation is one of the most effective means by which a health care organization can accurately assess its level of performance. It is a peer review and self evaluation process that focuses on ways to improve care and the quality of life of patients. It also provides patients and the public reassurance that NCTRF is open to review by outside parties and willing to be measured against national standards."

Paulse went on to say: "The process of preparing for accreditation takes many months and in and of itself is a testament to the professionalism of the people who work here. I want to thank each and every one of our employees, team members of our health partners and also our patients, families and clients for taking the time to provide frank and honest input into the process."

"Comments from accreditors such as: 'The organization is fortunate to have strong leadership from a board/management team that is clearly committed to the NCTRF and to the community, Patients and their families speak very highly of the care and service they receive, There is good attention given to the continuum of care through the organization's excellent partnerships with eight rural communities, Communication is open and staff exhibit a very positive attitude, provide reassurance that we are on the right track." said Paulse.

The NCTRF is a provincial cancer agency which operates: the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Centre is St. John's; Regional Cancer Programs in St. Anthony, Corner Brook, Grand Falls-Windsor and Gander; and Regional Cancer Clinics in Burin, Labrador City and Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

"I commend the Newfoundland Cancer Treatment and Research Foundation on their accreditation award. As the foundation is reviewed by peers in the cancer field across Canada, it is indeed an honour to receive such recognition. This award speaks highly of the management and staff at the foundation, and is demonstrated by the satisfaction of patients and their families who speak very highly of the care and service they receive," said Roger Grimes, Minister of Health and Community Services. "I am pleased that the Newfoundland Cancer Treatment and Research Foundation can now add their name to the large number of health facilities in this province which have been accredited by the national organization."

William Newton, Chairperson of the Board, credits the NCTRF's success to the efforts of every member of the organization's staff, board of directors, volunteers and partners. "We have an outstanding team, fully committed to the well being of our patients who is continuously working to improve the services we offer. Our vision, 'Together we strive to do the best for each person', affirms that patients and their families are at the center of what we do. As a board, we strive to deliver programs and services as close as possible to where our patients live. We are proud of the great strides we have made toward developing a comprehensive cancer control program for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. Last year, more than 15,000 specialized treatments were provided to cancer patients and their families throughout this province. That number continues to grow."

For further information, call June Perry (709) 753-0794, or (709) 682-2682.