New equipment launched at Royal Cornwall Hospital breast cancer unit
The 12-month-project was celebrated with a ribbon cutting event
A ribbon cutting ceremony has taken place to mark the successful completion of a 12-month equipment replacement at the breast cancer centre at Royal Cornwall Hospital.
The upgrade has launched three new MAMMOMAT Revelation mammography systems from Siemens Healthineers, enabling a more comfortable and personalised patient experience while capturing high-quality images at a low dose.
The additional systems take the count of MAMMOMAT Revelations at RCHT to five, with two existing mobile x-ray machines supporting community diagnostics for patients across Cornwall.
Kim O’Keeffe, Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Nursing Officer at RCHT, cut the pink ribbon to celebrate the project completion on Friday 27 October.
Kim said: "We’re delighted to have completed this project on time and within budget. Cornwall is recognised nationally for its breast cancer services and this important upgrade will ensure we continue to utilise the latest technical advances to provide outstanding care and a better experience to our patients. Huge thanks to everyone who was involved."
She told Pirate FM she was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer seven years ago, and is encouraging anyone who receives a letter to get their routine scan:
"I had my letter arrive and I thought, I'm a nurse I know what I'm doing, I don't feel anything. Thank goodness I took the time to go and have my screen.
"I was really fortunate to have an early diagnosis"
The upgrade also included reconfiguring of space within the Mermaid Centre to provide an additional ultrasound room, new and enhanced reporting and viewing rooms, and improved staff facilities.
Patients, staff and guests at the event wore pink as a mark to breast cancer awareness month and Wear it Pink day.
The upgrade was completed by Kier Construction.
Doug Lloyd, Regional Director at Kier Construction Devon & Cornwall, said: "This project has provided a significant upgrade to a vital service here at RCHT and will see the use of the latest technology and equipment that I know the clinical teams are very excited to have at their disposal. We hope this will be of great benefit to those that use and work at the Mermaid Centre."
Throughout the project, a mobile x-ray machine was located in the Mermaid car park to ensure service continuity and clinical capacity. With this now removed from the site, the car park will be re-lined, including at least four fully compliant accessible parking spaces.
Joanne Barry, Business Manager for X-ray Products at Siemens Healthineers Great Britain and Ireland, added: "We’re proud to support Cornwall in improving accessibility to breast screening, enabling early diagnosis and empowering better patient outcomes. The MAMMOMAT Revelation was designed to embrace the unique needs of each woman’s body, creating a more positive and personalised breast screening experience."