The Western Health and Social Services Trust has taken delivery of two new mobile breast screening units.
Featuring the latest digital mammographic x-ray equipment on board, the new units will visit a number of locations including Altnagelvin Hospital, Shantallow Health Centre the Rathmor Centre, Creggan in Derry, Strabane (currently Greenfield Nursing Home) and Roe Valley Hospital in Limavady.
The arrival of the units marks the start of a new era in breast screening.
The new units are fully digital meaning that images are no longer printed onto film but are viewed and stored electronically. Image quality is also higher, assuring women attending for their mammograms that the Western Trust offers them the latest technology to help improve early detection of breast cancer.
Dr Michael Reilly, consultant radiologist said: “As part of a regional replacement programme, we are delighted to have received two new state-of-the-art breast screening mobiles, designed to the highest standards.
“The new screening mobiles will provide screening for women in the Western Trust area and the Causeway section of the Northern Trust and will be staffed by Western Trust mammographers based at the Screening Unit at Altnagelvin Hospital.
“The two new mobile screening units offer an enhanced patient experience in a more comfortable environment.
“The x-ray units in the mobiles produce clearer digital images of the breasts for Radiographers to check immediately after screening, to help reduce the number of women who need to be recalled.
“A major design feature included in the new units are improvements in access particularly for less able patients, including more space within the unit, a disabled access lift, illuminated step treads to reduce the trip hazard for visually impaired clients and a staff call feature for patients who cannot manage the steps.
“Other features which have been incorporated to improve the client experience include a hearing induction loop for hearing impaired patients and a TV and DVD in the designated waiting area.
“It is hoped that the new screening mobiles will give all the women in the Western Trust area a comfortable experience at their next breast screening appointment and encourage people to attend for regular screening allowing us to detect breast cancer early and enable the most effective treatment.”
Dr Reilly continued: “Approximately 46,000 women are due to be screened across our catchment area in next three year screening round. All women aged 50 to 70 who are registered with a GP in the Western Trust and Causeway area will be automatically called over this period. Women aged over 70 are still entitled to avail of breast screening if they wish but do not receive an automatic invitation. They can ring to request an appointment on 028 7161 1363.”
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