Bermudian women who have to be screened for breast cancer can expect to receive some of the best treatment in the world.

The recently re-fitted mammography unit at the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital has just received a three-year accreditation designation from the American College of Radiology.

The status means that patients will receive breast screening and diagnostic procedures at a standard comparable to those performed at accredited mammography facilities in the US. Facilities are awarded accreditation certificates only if staff, equipment, radiation dose and image quality meet the US federal government's standards.

Diagnostic Imaging manager Venetta Symonds said: "The Diagnostic Imaging Department is excited about the new ACR accredited mammography designation which was obtained after the first submission of application materials.

"It reflects the hospital's vision to be a centre of excellence.

"Dr. Daniel Stovell and senior mammographer Mrs. Carla Cann have worked tirelessly with the mammography team to optimise all aspects of the mammography service since its relocation to its new premises.

"The radiologist, mammography technologists, and the medical physicist in charge of testing and using the unit must all meet rigorous education standards. Continuing education events must be ongoing and well documented to ensure that high quality mammography is regularly performed.

"The Diagnostic Imaging Department would like to thank all of those who supported the successful mammographic service with both their time and generous donations, especially to the Altrusa Society for the contributing of test equipment.'' HEALTH HTH