Barnsley MP, Dan Jarvis officially re-opened Barnsley Hospital’s Breast Screening Unit yesterday (on Monday 13^th February) after its refurbishment and conversion to a digital imaging unit.

Dan Jarvis gets a demo of the new digital imaging systems

Mr. Jarvis took a tour of the unit, that has seen the analogue breast screening mammography equipment replaced with modern digital imaging systems in a £400,000 investment to meet the requirements of the Cancer Reform Strategy and the NHS Breast Screening Programme.

Two new digital machines have been installed and alongside them a digital archiving and communication system which allows for the storage and transfer of digital images between any of the units in South Yorkshire.

Dave Houghton, Radiology Services Manager at the hospital said: “The digital imaging equipment will bring many benefits, the main one being the ability for the hospital to increase the number of women coming through breast screening, therefore ensuring we can see women in the extended age range of the screening programme.

“The image quality will also be improved and therefore aid the earlier detection of breast cancer”.

Mr. Jarvis also met with radiographers, support staff and administrative staff from the unit, who will also benefit form a more pleasant working environment as the new equipment doesn’t involve processing or chemicals.