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Four Florida Hospitals Recognized As Cancer Centers of Excellence

By Florida Department of Health, Office of Communications

March 23, 2015

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 23, 2015

Contact: Communications Office
(850) 245-4111

Four Florida Hospitals Recognized As Cancer Centers of Excellence

TALLAHASSEE—Today, State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong announced four Florida cancer centers that have earned the first ever distinction as state-designated Cancer Centers of Excellence. This recognizes these organizations for demonstrating commitment to excellence by providing patient-centered coordinated care for those undergoing cancer treatment and therapy in Florida. The recipients include the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Mayo Clinic Florida, University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and University of Florida Health Cancer Center, which includes University of Florida Health Shands Hospital, University of Florida Health Proton Therapy Institute and Orlando Health's Orlando Regional Medical Center.

Governor Rick Scott said, "We are privileged to announce the first ever Cancer Center of Excellence Awards in Florida. These designations recognize our commitment to providing the best cancer care possible for Florida's families and positions our state to become one of the foremost leaders in cancer care in the world. Today is a wonderful day for health in our state."

"These four Cancer Centers of Excellence are demonstrating a commitment to state-of-the-art cancer care, informed by innovative research, for Florida's families," said State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong. "These designations also show Florida's commitment to being the preferred global destination for excellence in the care of cancer patients."

The goal of the Cancer Center of Excellence Award Program is to encourage excellence in cancer care in Florida, attract and retain the best cancer care professionals to the state, and help Florida organizations be recognized nationally as a preferred destination for quality cancer care. The designation is based on measured success in delivering the quality cancer care to patients and family members.

The Cancer Center of Excellence Award was established in 2013 by the Florida Legislature through statute. The Department of Health is charged with facilitating this process for health care organizations that wish to apply for the designation. Each application is assessed by a team of five independent evaluators who determine eligibility for the award through written review and site visits. Evaluators report to the State Surgeon General on applicants that met the rigorous performance measures and excel in providing quality, comprehensive and patient-centered coordinated care. Today's recipients mark the first cancer centers in the state ever to achieve this award.

Speaker Pro-Tempore and Florida Cancer Control & Research Advisory Council Member Matt Hudson said, "Florida is making significant and meaningful progress in patient-centered cancer care. Our newly designated Cancer Centers of Excellence are poised to compete with cancer centers nationwide and across the world. This world class quality of care is paramount to Floridians facing a cancer diagnosis, and I am proud to support these newly designated centers."

Senator Eleanor Sobel, a member of the Florida Cancer Control & Research Advisory Council said, "Florida is making amazing strides toward improving cancer care for patients and their families, and these new Cancer Centers of Excellence represent the best our state has to offer to those who are living with and fighting cancer."

Cancer Control Research Advisory Council, Former Representative Marti Coley said, "The announcement of four newly distinguished Cancer Centers of Excellence is a milestone in Florida's ongoing effort to become a top destination for cancer care and research. These centers will not only bring the best possible care to those fighting cancer in Florida, but they will also attract the most talented medical professionals to our state. The Florida Department of Health and all four designees should be extremely proud of this accomplishment."

Thom George, MD, Chair of C-CRAB and Co-Chair for Joint Committee said, "Florida is quickly becoming a premier destination for cancer treatment, cutting edge research and education. These designations show the exceptional commitment to quality in our cancer centers and will help to attract more of the best health care professionals in the world to our great state and for our patients."

Danny Armstrong, PhD, Chair of BRAC and Co-Chair for Joint Committee said, "We're delighted with the announcement of the four Cancer Center of Excellence designations. Through this rigorous review process, the state of Florida continues to reinforce its commitment to achieving better health outcomes for its communities."

For more information on the qualifications and process to apply go to www.floridahealth.gov/provider-and-partner-resources/research/cancer-center-of-excellence-award.html.

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