New X-ray is a boost for Leeds hospital

A new breast cancer screening machine is helping speed up examination times and increase the number of appointments per day in Leeds.
NEW: Deputy Team Manager Susan Cage, radiographer Kirsten Atkinson and assistant Beverley Rockett.NEW: Deputy Team Manager Susan Cage, radiographer Kirsten Atkinson and assistant Beverley Rockett.
NEW: Deputy Team Manager Susan Cage, radiographer Kirsten Atkinson and assistant Beverley Rockett.

The £160,000 Selenia Dimensions mammogram system has now been installed at Wharfedale Hospital in Otley.

And radiologists say it has helped cut unnecessary delays and reduce the amount of radiation patients are exposed to during examinations.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Manufactured by Hologic, the new machine was purchased using Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust’s equipment replacement fund.

Louise Cartwright, radiology team manager, said: “Patients have commented on how comfortable and ergonomic it is – the clean, modern design of the machine is also more reassuring.

“It’s a much quicker examination, which means more appointments can be booked per day.”

The system’s sophisticated technology allows for more efficient examinations.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Crucially, it also uses lower doses of radiation on patients.

The machine has latest software which can develop exceptionally sharp diagnostic images.

Staff at the hospital say the new machine is easier to use compared to the previous system.

“The machine is ergonomically designed for ease of use,” said Deborah Clayton, who works as a service manager for breast imaging at the NHS trust in Leeds.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Its controls include a foot-switch 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.”