Princess Alexandra Hospital recently unveiled new state-of-the-art mammography technology, including Australia’s first sensory suite, to enhance the patient experience and improve breast imaging.
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The sensory suite utilises mood lighting, lavender scented walls, and sky window ceilings to relax patients during mammograms and invasive procedures like biopsies. Sally Ball, Assistant Director of Medical Imaging and Head Mammographer at PAH, says the suite offers “dignity and respect” during an otherwise vulnerable experience.
As a breast cancer survivor, Ball understands the anxiety patients face. “Being able to offer a space that puts the patient at ease will relax the patient and result in better quality images,” she said.
PAH is also the first Australian hospital with GE Healthcare’s Senographe Pristina integrated 3D mammography system. The technology improves lesion visualisation without increasing radiation exposure. A new Dueta compression device allows patients to control their own compression for added comfort.
Ball said giving patients control over small things like compression “can make a big difference.” With over 2000 mammograms performed annually at PAH, the new technology aims to transform the standard of care.
According to Ball, “When you are diagnosed with breast cancer, you lose control of so many aspects of your life…Giving back control of even the smallest of things, like compression on a mammogram, can make a big difference to a patient.”
Amit Yadav, Chief Executive Officer of GE Healthcare Australia & New Zealand, said the hospital is leading the nation in adopting this innovative approach to breast imaging. The CEM and CEM biopsy capabilities of the Senographe Pristina system mark an exciting advancement in mammography at PAH.
By integrating contrast enhancement into 3D mammography, radiologists can better detect and characterise suspicious areas in the breast. This leads to more accurate diagnoses and improved patient outcomes.
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Published 9-November-2023