Virginia Oncology Associates Transplant Program Earns Special National Accreditation
The Stem Cell Transplant Program is the first in Hampton Roads to earn coveted FACT Accreditation

Virginia Beach, VA (1-13-04) – After meeting rigorous clinical standards, Autologous Stem Cell Transplant Program at Virginia Oncology Associates, in cooperation with apherisis and cell processing at the American Red Cross, has received accreditation by the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT). The program is the first transplant program in Hampton Roads to earn this prestigious distinction. Also included in this accreditation is the inpatient oncology unit at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital.

Accreditation by FACT assures patients that the Stem Cell Transplant Program at Virginia Oncology Associate’s has met rigorous standards regarding the qualifications and experience of staff. It also assures that the program has developed and is operating by policies and procedures that assure quality management processes that focus on patient safety. The accreditation lasts for three years and illustrates a long-term commitment to the level of excellence necessary to be accredited by FACT.

"This certification illustrates that Virginia Oncology Associate’s Stem Cell Transplant Program complies with the highest standards set for those procedures. The practice has been performing transplants for many years and has transplanted in excess of 50 patients,” said Dr. Dean McGaughey, transplant medical director of the Virginia Oncology Associates program. "FACT accreditation is the benchmark for quality care that is a standard that insurance companies are demanding of all transplant programs in the country."

Stem cell transplantation is utilized to treat multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, certain leukemias, Hodgkin's disease and testicular cancer, among other diseases.

FACT is a nonprofit organization developed by physicians and scientists who are members of the International Society of Hematotherapy and Graft Engineering and the American Society of Blood and Marrow Transplantation. They assess and accredit facilities in the field of cellular therapy (using blood cells in the bone marrow to treat blood and tumor disorders). Facilities seek accreditation voluntarily to demonstrate that they have met FACT’s strict standards of quality for medical and laboratory practice.

“It is rewarding to know that FACT, which promotes the highest standards of patient care and safety, has accredited the clinical policies and operational procedures that form the foundation of providing quality care to our patients,” said Dr. McGaughey.

For more information or to contact the Virginia Oncology Associates Stem Cell Transplant Program, please call 757-459-9219.

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