With the focus on patient comfort, convenience, and privacy, the new Women’s Imaging Center at Cary Medical Center will feature the most advanced diagnostic mammography services in northern Maine, including the addition of state-of-the-art digital mammography and stereotactic breast biopsy systems.
According to Dr. Shawn Laferriere, Chief of Radiology at Cary Medical Center, the Women’s Imaging Center will feature the Siemens Mammomat Inspiration Full-Field Digital Mammography, and Siemens MammoTest Stereotactic Breast Biopsy Systems. The Mammomat Inspiration offers digital screening and diagnostic mammography producing excellent image quality using industry leading technology designed to minimize the patient’s radiation dose and exposure time. There currently is no other unit of its kind north of Boston.
“The hospital’s purchase of the Siemens Mammomat Inspiration represents our dedication to using the highest quality full-field digital mammography system,” Laferriere said.
“We are also very proud to bring the first fully digital stereotactic biopsy system to Cary and Aroostook County,” Laferriere continued. “The new breast biopsy system allows for a minimally invasive procedure with increased patient comfort. The system is capable of identifying the smallest calcifications, allowing for a more precise and efficient diagnosis,” he explained.
“With our existing breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging, (MRI) and breast ultrasound testing capabilities, the addition of our new equipment will provide our patients with the most advanced breast diagnostic services in Aroostook County,” Laferriere added.
Complementing the new technology, the Center will provide a “spa” like private patient waiting area and individual changing rooms with personal lockable armoires. The center’s specialty trained mammography team will also engage patients in a “navigation process” helping women through their procedures whether a routine screening mammogram or a diagnostic exam, making sure the patient has the best possible experience with support from her medical team.
“Our new patient navigator program is designed to enhance access to all aspects of breast care at Cary by helping to provide more efficient delivery of care, improved sharing of resources, and removal of barriers to care, all through enhanced relationships with each of our patients,” the radiologist explained. “It’s our goal to not only bring advanced state-of-the-art technologies to northern Maine, but to also create an overall breast care program designed at improving the coordination of high quality breast care. This means providing same-day diagnostic mammography results for our patients with the opportunity to meet with one of our radiologists and review their exam one-on-one, so that each patient understands their results before they leave the center.”
The Center will also maintain a library of educational resources, and when appropriate, will help women obtain prosthetic supplies, professional fittings and offer other support as needed.
The $800,000 hospital project is being funded through a capital campaign project currently ongoing by the Jefferson Cary Foundation. With generous donations totaling just over $700,000 to date from several sources, including both Cary and Pines Health Services employees, volunteers, and board members; the Cary Ladies Auxiliary, the Foundation, and many corporate/community donations, the Center is scheduled to open by year’s end.
“We are so proud and humbled by the generosity and support for this project by our Cary and Pines families, all of the local civic groups, corporate and individual donors and local community, “ said Kris Doody, RN, MSB, Cary Chief Executive Officer. “Early detection of breast cancer with regular mammogram screenings is so critical for our patients. The time is now right for the hospital to raise the bar in making these advanced services available to them.”
During this construction/renovation phase of the project, mammograms are being done with the existing mammography equipment in another area of the radiology department at Cary.
“We want to extend a thank you to all of our patients for their patience during our renovation time in the department,” added Leslie Anderson, PT, MSB, Manager of Imaging and Rehabilitation Services. “We are so excited about our new Women’s Imaging Center. Our staff is ready and looking forward to serving our patients with our personalized navigator program, and working with the latest in digital mammography technology.”
