A state-of-the-art machine has been installed at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) to help improve breast cancer care.

The new machine has been made possible thanks to the generosity of fundraisers and supporters of the hospital charity’s Boudicca Appeal.

More than £250,000 has already been raised for the appeal, which has enabled the start of work to create a one-stop-shop breast cancer unit at NNUH for all patients with suspected breast cancer.

The Boudicca Appeal aims to raise £800,000 in total to create a unit where patients can have the necessary images taken, undergo a biopsy and see their consultant in one appointment.

Thanks to donations, the Trust has invested in a stereotactic mammography machine to carry out biopsies, which is already helping to improve patient care.

Dr Arne Juette, Consultant Radiologist and Director of Breast Screening at NNUH, said: “Thanks to the Boudicca Appeal, we have already been able to invest in new stereotactic mammography equipment, which brings us completely into the state-of-the-art in terms of what we can deliver to our patients here at NNUH.

“It is the latest technological advance and enables us to see a lot more patients a lot more quickly, which is one of the aims of the Boudicca Appeal. The new machine also makes biopsies a lot more tolerable for women and we can diagnose more women more quickly.”

The introduction of same-day diagnostic tests combined with clinical and imaging assessment for all patients with suspected breast cancer will mean patients only need to attend clinic once, which will result in a better experience for patients and reduce the time waiting for results.

The next phase of the Boudicca Appeal will involve fundraising on work to create a third ultrasound room in the breast screening department at NNUH and improving reception and waiting areas to facilitate one-stop clinics. The appeal also aims to develop dedicated quiet and counselling rooms for patients facing a cancer diagnosis.

Anyone who would like to find out more can call the N&N Hospitals Charity on 01603 287107 or visit www.nnhospitalscharity.org.uk or donate directly at www.justgiving.com/campaign/boudicca

Picture caption: Left to right – Dr Arne Juette, Consultant Radiologist and Director of Breast Screening, Denise Marshall, Advanced Practitioner in Mammography, Tina Lucie-Smith, Consultant Breast Radiographer, Louise Cooper, Advanced Practitioner in Mammography