Dana-Farber is fifth highest ranked cancer center in the country

 

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is the highest ranked cancer hospital in New England and fifth in the country, according to a U.S. News & World Report survey. The rankings, now available online, will be published in the magazine's annual America's Best Hospitals guide, which will appear in the August issue.

"We are honored that Dana-Farber continues to be recognized as one of the country's leading cancer institutions," said Edward J. Benz, Jr., MD, president of Dana-Farber. "This achievement reflects the commitment of our caregivers, scientists, staff, board members, and all those who generously support our work. Together we strive to alleviate the burden of cancer."

U.S. News & World Report publishes the hospital guide each year as a reference for patients who are reviewing their medical care options. "When the stakes are high, you want the best care you can get for someone close to you," said Avery Comarow, health rankings editor at U.S. News. "These are hospitals that are used to getting the sickest patients."

RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, compiled all hospital data and generated the 2009 rankings. In addition to cancer, the guide ranks medical facilities in 15 other specialties. The overall score is based on professional reputation, mortality rates, patient safety, and a grouping of care-related factors such as nursing and patient services.

Dana-Farber provides adult oncology care in partnership with Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center, a comprehensive service that combines the expertise of Dana-Farber and Brigham and Women's Hospital. Dana-Farber's extensive pediatric oncology services are offered in conjunction with Children's Hospital Boston through Dana-Farber/Children's Hospital Cancer Care.

Dana-Farber's commitment to provide the best cancer care possible extends beyond its main campus in Boston's Longwood Medical Area. Dana-Farber has established three centers outside Boston to help address an increase in patient volume and to allow patients to receive world-class Dana-Farber care and resources in their own communities, and will be opening a fourth center this fall.

Dana-Farber opened its first satellite center, Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center at Faulkner Hospital in Jamaica Plain, Mass. in June 2006. The 13,000-square foot center offers expanded space for infusion, exams, reception, and support services such as social work and nutrition.

The Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center at Milford Regional Medical Center in Milford, Mass. opened Jan. 2008. The 54,000-square foot, two-floor center provides comprehensive cancer services, including radiation therapy and imaging, medical oncology, and support services, such as social work and nutrition.

In December 2008, Dana-Farber partnered with New Hampshire Oncology-Hematology, PA to open Dana-Farber/New Hampshire Oncology-Hematology in Londonderry, NH. In addition to medical oncology services, the facility offers clinical trials, pain management and palliative care, genetic screening, a resource room, social work, nutritional counseling, and a survivorship program. Other services provided within the unit will include a boutique and complementary therapies.

This October, Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center in clinical affiliation with South Shore Hospital will open a center in South Weymouth, Mass. Residents south of Boston will be able to get sophisticated, comprehensive cancer care in one place — including diagnostic imaging, innovative medical treatments and radiation therapy, consultations with surgical oncology specialists, and integrative and supportive therapies.

"Establishing these centers outside Boston is critical in helping us meet an important facet of our mission — and that of the National Cancer Institute — which is to ensure that cancer patients receive the best possible care regardless of where they live," said Benz.

Dana-Farber will open the new state-of-the-art Yawkey Center for Cancer in 2011. Designed in consultation with patients and families, the Yawkey Center will retain Dana-Farber's trademark compassionate, family-centered, and innovative care, and create an environment that fosters healing. The 14-story building will add 275,000 square feet of clinical space, as well as seven underground levels for parking. With 100 exam rooms, 150 infusion chairs, and 15 patient and family consultation rooms, the Yawkey Center will streamline patient services and provide flexible, comfortable space.

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