Nebraska Medicine has been nationally recognized as a National Pancreas Foundation Center (NPF) by the National Pancreas Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides support, research and education for those suffering from pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. Nebraska Medicine is the only hospital in Nebraska to receive this prominent designation, joining 29 other institutions across the United States.
“Our team is thrilled to be named the only NPF Center in the state of Nebraska,” said Nebraska Medicine pancreatic surgeon Luciano Vargas, M.D., an assistant professor in the UNMC Department of Surgery. “Our pancreas program provides multidisciplinary, patient-centered care for patients with different pancreatic disorders. The program has been made possible by a strong commitment and support from Alan Langnas, D.O., and the leadership at Nebraska Medicine.”
NPF Centers are awarded after a rigorous audit review to determine that an institution’s focus is on multidisciplinary treatment of pancreatitis, treating the “whole patient” with a focus on the best possible outcomes and an improved quality of life.
“We are very humbled and proud of this achievement,” said Rosanna Morris, interim CEO at Nebraska Medicine. “Having the NPF Center designation will help distinguish us as an institution whose focus is on providing the best and most innovative care possible for those suffering from pancreatitis.”
“Once an institution receives this designation, our foundation can recommend with confidence that patients will receive quality care at these designated centers,” said Matthew Alsante, executive director of the National Pancreas Foundation.
An approved NPF Center has to meet the criteria that were developed by a task force made up of invited subject matter experts and patient advocates. The criteria includes having the required expert physician specialties such as gastroenterologists, pancreas surgeons, and interventional radiologists, along with more patient-focused programs such as a pain management service, psychosocial support and more.
“It’s an honor for me to work with such a wonderful team of physicians,” said Sarah Ferguson, nurse coordinator for the Pancreas and Biliary Disorders Clinic at Nebraska Medicine. “Their dedication, expertise and compassion towards helping patients with pancreatitis is truly deserving of this national recognition.”
For a full listing of the criteria, click here.