Spire Harpenden Hospital expands its Mammography Services
22 August 2024
Spire Harpenden Hospital has added a new state-of-the-art Hologic Mammography Scanner to its newly refurbished Mammography Suite.
The new scanner which includes tomosynthesis (a three-dimensional mammogram that uses X-rays to obtain sectional images of the breast, which are then reconstructed into a 3D volume) provides a quicker and more comfortable experience for the patient.
During 2023 Spire Harpenden completed 2,350 mammography scans, plus procedures. For 2024 we will predict this number will rise to approximately 2,800 scans. The new scanner will enable extra capacity to support our one-stop breast clinic which offers prompt diagnosis and assessment of changes. Led by fully qualified breast surgeons, specialist radiologists and breast care nurses, the clinic is accessible to everyone with a referral.
What we offer at the one-stop clinic
- Consultation with a Consultant Breast Surgeon
- Investigation with a same-day mammogram and/or ultrasound plus breast biopsy if required
- Treatment advice to discuss results with the consultant
Micky Cannon, Diagnostic Imaging Manager at Spire Harpenden Hospital, said: “At Spire Harpenden Hospital, we are committed to ensuring our patients have fast access to diagnostics and outstanding personalised treatment when they need it. Investing in a new state-of-the-art mammography scanner with a separate biopsy and excision console enables us to biopsy our patients once, as it takes multiple breast tissue samples with a single insertion and at the same time numbing the area with local anaesthetic, this system will ensure an enhanced patient experience.”
“We know that coming in for a mammogram can be extremely worrying. Most women will feel some discomfort during parts of their consultation, however the new equipment provides a more comfortable experience for our patients. Knowing they can be seen quickly, be scanned by the latest technology available, and then receive a quick diagnosis – this is what our patients need and we’re pleased to be delivering that.”