Cancer

Spectrum Health BMT Awarded FACT Accreditation

Spectrum Health’s blood and marrow transplant (BMT) program has received internationally-recognized accreditation by the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT). 

Blood and marrow transplants are a treatment option for patients who have cancer, immune system disorders, metabolic disease and other life-threatening conditions. The pediatric program has maintained autologous accreditation since 2010. On June 5, the accreditation was extended to the pediatric allogeneic and adult autologous and allogeneic services.

“FACT accreditation elevates Spectrum Health’s position as a quality organization and demonstrates our dedication to excellence in patient care and laboratory practices,” said Stephanie F. Williams, MD, division chief, adult blood and marrow transplant (BMT) program. “We believe FACT Accreditation will make patients aware that our facility strives to achieve the highest quality care for cellular therapy treatment programs.”

There are four adult BMT programs in Michigan. Spectrum Health, which began offering adult transplant in February 2013, is the only adult BMT program in the western half of the state. Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital has been providing blood and marrow transplants to pediatric patients since 1998.   FACT is the only accrediting agency that addresses all quality aspects of cellular therapy and cord blood banking including collection, processing and administration. FACT is an internationally-recognized accrediting body for hospitals and medical institutions offering stem cell transplant, and indicates the accredited institution has met the most rigorous standards in every aspect of stem cell therapy. This covers the entire spectrum of stem cell therapy, from clinical care to donor management, cell collection, processing, storage, transportation, administration and cell release.

FACT conducted an on-site evaluation of Spectrum Health on March 28, 2014. Accreditation is attained through evaluation of submitted documentation and on-site inspection to determine if an organization is in compliance with current FACT standards and the United States Food and Drug Administration’s current rules for Good Tissue Practice. FACT Standards are defined by leading experts based on the latest knowledge of the field of cellular therapy.

Since 2007, FACT accreditation has been used in determining the U.S. News & World Report rankings of transplant centers for the “America’s Best Hospitals” and “America’s Best Children’s Hospitals” list.

Spectrum Health is a not-for-profit health system, based in West Michigan, offering a full continuum of care through the Spectrum Health Hospital Group, which is comprised of 11 hospitals including Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital; 170 ambulatory and service sites; 1,080 employed physicians and advanced practice providers including members of the Spectrum Health Medical Group; and Priority Health, a 575,000-member health plan. Spectrum Health is West Michigan’s largest employer with 21,400 employees. The organization provided $250 million in community benefit during its 2013 fiscal year. In 2014, Spectrum Health was named one of the nation’s 15 Top Health Systems® by Truven Health Analytics.