CUTTING edge new breast cancer detection equipment.has been installed at Wharfedale Hospital.

Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust bought the £160,000 mammogram machine for the Otley hospital's Radiology department - where it is already making a big impact.

The device - a Selenia Dimensions system, made by Hologic - was paid for using the Trust's equipment replacement fund and delivers greater efficiency, superior imaging and extra patient comfort.

The Trust says the machine's sophisticated technology allows for much improved examinations while using lower doses of radiation - and its use of the latest software produces 'exceptionally sharp' diagnostic images.

Radiology Team Manager Louise Cartwright said: "Patients have commented on how comfortable and ergonomic it is - the clean, modern design of the machine is also more reassuring.

"It’s a much quicker examination, which means more appointments can be booked per day."

Staff say they have found the machine much easier to work with since it replaced the old unit earlier this year.

Service Manager for Breast Imaging, Deborah Clayton, said: “The machine is ergonomically designed for ease of use.

"Its controls include a foot switch and a touch screen, which helps to reduce repetitive strain injuries.

"And a fingerprint login for staff allows workflow preferences and ergonomic settings to be individually memorised - this means the workstation can automatically adjust to each user’s preferred height."