Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust becomes the first NHS organisation in Europe to start using the Pristina pod.
The Pristina pod uses a 3D mammography system to screen breast cancer patients. The pod is also designed to be more comfortable for patient positioning and ease anxiety and discomfort.
The pod will provide breast screening to the population of Gateshead with a dedicated state-of-the-art facility.
The new screening unit will be located outside the Windy Nook entrance at the QE Hospital which will allow easier access to appointments and will allow further clinics to be held to increase capacity.
Lead radiographer for breast imaging Joanne Brand said “The breast screening team and I are thrilled to have the opportunity to change the way we work to help benefit Gateshead patients.
“We are looking forward to welcoming more ladies to our ‘screening pod’ and the positive impact this will have on our patients.
“We are delighted to be the first in Europe to offer this facility and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for breast screening.”
Gateshead Health has been awarded funding from NHS England to enable the screening units to help recover the screening backlog due to the COVID19 pandemic.
The pod equipment was installed by GE Healthcare and the new screening unit started to screen patients in February 2023.
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