The Radiology department at Wharfedale Hospital in Otley recently installed a brand new, state-of-the-art mammogram machine, which promises greater efficiency, superior imaging, and extra comfort for patients undergoing mammography.
The machine – a Selenia Dimensions system, manufactured by Hologic – cost £160,000 and was purchased for the department using the equipment replacement fund for Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.
The system’s sophisticated mammography technology allows for much more efficient examinations, and utilises lower doses of radiation. The new unit benefits from the latest software which ensures swift development of exceptionally sharp diagnostic images.
Louise Cartwright, Radiology Team Manager, welcomed the system’s advanced features that improve the patient experience. “Patients have commented on how comfortable and ergonomic it is – the clean, modern design of the machine is also more reassuring,” she said.
Louise added: “It’s a much quicker examination, which means more appointments can be booked per day.”
Staff have found the machine much easier to work with since it replaced the old unit in March this year. Deborah Clayton, Service Manager for Breast Imaging, said: “The machine is ergonomically designed for ease of use. Its controls include a footswitch and touch screen, which helps to reduce repetitive strain injuries.
“A fingerprint login for staff allows workflow preferences and ergonomic settings to be individually memorised – this means the workstation can automatically adjust to each user’s preferred height,” Deborah added.
