Comprehensive Cancer Center

A Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) offers a complete and coordinated service that integrates diagnostics, treatment, rehabilitation, and research at a high international level. The aim of this initiative is to improve patient pathways, strengthen research, and enhance collaboration between disciplines across the hospital and with external partners. The goal is to achieve accreditation by 2026.

A CCC is a hospital accredited by the Organisation of European Cancer Institutes (OECI). To achieve accreditation, the hospital must demonstrate:

• High quality throughout the entire cancer care pathway – from diagnostics to rehabilitation

• Integration of research as a natural part of treatment

• Multidisciplinary collaboration and coordination across departments and specialties

• Clear and accessible patient information

  Why is CCC accreditation important to Helse Bergen?

  The incidence of cancer is increasing in line with an ageing population, while the healthcare system faces challenges related to staffing. Increased collaboration, improved information flow, and more systematic research are key measures to meet future needs.

  Accreditation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) will contribute to:

  • More integrated and multidisciplinary patient pathways

  • Improved collaboration between departments, professional groups, and research environments

  • Increased recruitment to and completion of clinical trials

  • A stronger national and international position as a partner in cancer research and treatment

  What does CCC accreditation mean for patients?

  • Closer coordination between testing, treatment, and rehabilitation

  • Clear and easy-to-understand information at every step

  • Better follow-up and support after treatment has ended

  • More chances to join clinical trials and get access to new treatments

  CCC accreditation is all about providing cancer care that sees the whole person  taking care of physical, emotional, and social needs.

  How Haukeland is working towards CCC accreditation

  The work is led by a project group with representatives from several clinics and research environments. The entire hospital is involved in the documentation and improvement process.

  Focus areas in the accreditation process:

  • Establishing a systematic competence program for oncology nurses

  • Establishing a multidisciplinary team for palliative care (palliative MDT)

  • Increasing the proportion of patients participating in clinical trials from 2% to at least 10%

  • Maintaining and further developing the portfolio of clinical cancer studies (minimum 75 active studies)

  There is also a focus on lowering the threshold for patient participation in research and strengthening the role of healthcare professionals in recruiting for clinical trials.

  Benefits of CCC accreditation

  For patients:

  • Better and more personalized treatment

  • More holistic follow-up throughout the entire course of illness

  • Access to new and advanced therapies through clinical trials

  For healthcare professionals:

  • Stronger collaboration across disciplines and departments

  • Shared arenas for competence development and learning

  • Opportunities to contribute to the development of future cancer treatments

  For research environments:

  • Increased collaboration with national and international partners

  • Greater opportunities for EU funding

  • Enhanced visibility and influence in policy development

  Project working group and steering committee

  Working group:

  • Kirsten Hansine Helene Nygaard Bolstad, Head of Section, Cancer Clinic

  • Halfdan Sørbye, Senior Consultant

  • Borghild Helene Sandøy Straume, Adviser

  • Pål Ove Vadset, Head of Section, Department of Research and Development

  Steering committee:

  • Oddbjørn Straume, Director, Cancer Clinic

  • Christian Beisland, Head of Department, Surgical Clinic

  • Marta Ebbing, Director, Department of Research and Development

  • Ruby Mahesparan, Head of Department, Department of Neurosurgery

  • Linda Sleire, Deputy Director, Laboratory Clinic

  • John-Helge Heimdal, Director, Surgical Clinic

  • Sverre Lehmann, Director, Department of Pulmonary Medicine

  • Ingfrid Haldorsen, Director, Department of Radiology

  • Astrid Marta Olsnes, Head of Section, Department of Medicine

  • Lorentz Linde, Director, Women’s Clinic

  • Evelyn Neppelberg, Director, Head and Neck Clinic

  • Maria Vollsæter, Director, Children’s and Youth Clinic

For any questions about the accreditation, you are welcome to contact:
CCC_akkreditering@ihelse.net