Mermaid Centre staff are in the pink as they welcome upgraded breast cancer facilities

Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust held a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the completion of a 12-month equipment replacement and upgrade project for its dedicated breast cancer centre. The Mermaid Centre is now equipped with three Mammomat Revelation mammography systems from Siemens Healthineers, enabling a more comfortable and personalised patient experience while capturing high quality images at a low dose. This addition takes the number of Mammomat Revelations at the trust to five, with two mobile x-ray machines already supporting community diagnostics for patients across Cornwall.

The upgrade included reconfiguring space to provide an ultrasound room, new and enhanced reporting and viewing rooms, and improved staff facilities.

Deputy chief executive and chief nursing officer Kim O’Keeffe, who cut the ribbon, commented: “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.”

The upgrade was completed by Kier Construction. Throughout the project, a mobile x-ray system was located in the centre’s car park to ensure service continuity and clinical capacity.

Siemens Healthineers Great Britain and Ireland business manager for x-ray products Joanne Barry said: “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.”

Lead picture: Staff and guests wore pink to mark breast cancer awareness month and Wear it Pink day.

Published on page 12 of the January 2024 issue of RAD Magazine.