Inova Breast Care Institute at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital Named an Accredited Breast Care Center

Hospital One of First in Region to Earn Recognition

Fairfax, VA – (December 15, 2009) – The Inova Breast Care Institute at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital is one of the first in the D.C. region to earn a three-year accreditation in breast care from the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), part of the American College of Surgeons, which sets the standard for how breast cancer patients receive care.

The Inova Breast Care Institute at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital earned accreditation by meeting or exceeding 27 standards of breast cancer care during an on-site review. The Institute was evaluated during an on-site review of its imaging, radiation oncology and medical oncology treatments, surgery, survivorship programs, leadership, research, genetic counseling and breast care navigator program, among other programs.

“Inova Breast Care Institute at Inova Fair Oaks continues to demonstrate its commitment to providing quality breast care to our patients,” said Kirsten Edmiston, MD, Medical Director, Cancer Services, Inova Health System. “The NAPBC designation assures our patients that they’re receiving first-class, state-of-the-art care from a facility that has achieved a superior level of expertise in breast cancer care. The Inova Breast Care Institute is more than just one hospital and one doctor – it’s an entire healthcare system devoted to providing the very best in breast care.”

Only about 100 breast centers nationwide have earned this recognition from NAPBC, which represents organizations dedicated to the improvement of the quality of care for patients with breast care issues.

“We’re honored to receive accreditation from the NAPBC for the Inova Breast Care Institute at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital,” said John Fitzgerald, CEO, Inova Fair Oaks Hospital. “It demonstrates that we provide our patients and their families with optimal levels of breast cancer care and resources – including our breast care navigator, a registered nurse who provides education and coordinates care for patients during this vulnerable time in their lives,” he added.

The Inova Breast Care Institute offers a multidisciplinary team of nearly 100 experts across the System, who provide a full range of breast cancer care. With access points at each Inova hospital, Inova provides more breast cancer care than any other healthcare organization in Northern Virginia, treating more than 1,000 women each year.

The Inova Breast Care Institute at Inova Alexandria Hospital, Inova Fairfax Hospital, and Inova Loudoun Hospital are also NAPBC-accredited, and Inova Mount Vernon Hospital is currently being evaluated.

For more information about Inova Breast Care Institute visit inova.org/ibci.

Inova Health System is a not-for-profit healthcare system based in Northern Virginia that consists of hospitals and other health services, including emergency- and urgent-care centers, home care, nursing homes, mental health and blood donor services, and wellness classes. Governed by a voluntary board of community members, Inova’s mission is to improve the health of the diverse community it serves through excellence in patient care, education and research. Inova provides a healthy environment for its patients, families, visitors, staff and physicians by prohibiting tobacco use on its campuses.