Rouge Valley Ajax and Pickering (RVAP) hospital is celebrating the accreditation of its Mammography Department.

The accreditation by the Canadian Association of Radiologists (CAR) means staff has submitted patient mammography films, education documentation, many forms on process and other documentation during a two-year period showing the hospital meets nationally recognized quality standards.

"We’ve been meeting these high standards all along. This detailed accreditation process is an important credential for us. Our staff and equipment meet rigorous standards and we’re very proud of our level of quality care," says Betty Walker, Charge Technologist for Mammography and Bone Mineral Densitometry at RVAP.

"The accreditation also reassures people about the quality work done at their community hospital," she adds.

"The work of our staff has been incredible in achieving this accreditation. It reaffirms the quality work that has been going on here for many years," says Jeff Hohenkerk, Director of Diagnostic Imaging and Laboratory Services for Rouge Valley Health System.

"This accreditation brings us one step closer to realizing our vision of a Women’s Imaging Health Centre at Rouge Valley Ajax and Pickering. With the continued generosity of the Auxiliary and the completion of the Ajax redevelopment project, we plan to offer bone mineral density tests, mammograms, breast ultrasounds, patient education and quick access to surgeon consultation all in one convenient and comfortable spot," he added.

Accreditation

The CAR accreditation is good for three years, with annual reviews built into the process. The hospital will complete the entire process again in 2009.

As part of the process RVAP purchased a new $60,000 film processor. The RVAP Auxiliary also helped with equipment updates when it purchased a multi-viewer. The multi-viewer allows radiologists to see several breast scans showing a progression of a patient’s condition, which augments diagnosis and treatment possibilities.

Mammography

Mammography is a type of diagnostic imaging using a low-dose x-ray system for the examination of breasts. A mammography exam, or mammogram, is used as a screening tool to detect early breast cancer in women experiencing no symptoms and to detect and diagnose breast disease in women experiencing symptoms such as a lump, pain or nipple discharge.

Mammography plays a central part in early detection of breast cancers because it can show changes in the breast up to two years before a patient or physician can feel them.

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Rouge Valley Health System is an innovative leader in quality family centred care, with regional programs in cardiac care, mental health and paediatrics. Rouge Valley consists of several health sites, including two hospitals: Rouge Valley Centenary, in east Scarborough; Rouge Valley Ajax and Pickering, in the west Durham Region. Together a team of more than 300 doctors, plus 180 specialist physicians, 1,200 registered nurses and many other professionals, care for a broad spectrum of health conditions. In consultation and partnership with community members, other hospitals, healthcare organizations and the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, Rouge Valley continues to improve its programs and create new ones catering to the needs of the growing communities of Scarborough, Ajax, Pickering and Whitby. It's in our nature to care. www.rougevalley.ca.

For more information please contact:
David Brazeau
Public Affairs and Community Relations Department
Rouge Valley Health System
1-800-667-4028 ext. 4010
www.rougevalley.ca