The Bermuda TB Cancer and Health Association has become the first foreign organisation to be accredited by the Canadian Association of Radiologists.

"We're the only organisation in Bermuda that has that status,'' president Judy Simons told The Royal Gazette . "It is a great achievement and everyone is to be commended for it.

The Canadian association works with the diagnostic imaging community to help ensure that optimum mammography films are produced consistently, thereby providing the best possible tools for an accurate diagnosis.

To obtain the prestigious accreditation with the Montreal-based Association, TB Cancer and Health had to meet strict quality and education standards.

Chief radiographer Shari Sabourin said the entire process took about four years to complete.

"We didn't realise it was going to be so strict,'' confessed radiologist Dr.

Ian Harvey. "We've been improving the quality control with the help of an overseas specialist.

"We're doing the things we did before but we're just doing them better.'' The accreditation signals that the Association has attained a standard of excellence that is now recognised around the world.

Ms Sabourin added: "This will reassure the public that they are getting the best mammography, everything is the best right down to the machines and processing.'' But now that the organisation has a three-year accreditation, that does not mean that they plan to rest on their laurels.

"We constantly have to be on our toes because the Association can do an on-site visit at any time,'' Ms Sabourin pointed out. "It can be taken away if the quality is not kept up.'' And the group revealed that the TB Cancer and Health Association was now setting its sights on new goals and priorities for the 21st Century.

"We would like TB Cancer and Health to become the cancer resource centre of the Island,'' they noted.

Manager Maureen Simmons added: "We have women coming back for more than just a mammography. We would like to be able to counsel and assist them.''