Erie Shores Healthcare unveiled a new mammography machine to improve women's health in the region.
The new equipment, including the contrast enhancement and renovations to the department, cost roughly $700,000.
"It comes with some of the updated tools like AI for detection which is very helpful for us when we're reading. It's very fast so that's also a benefit for patients, they don't have to stay in the compression nearly as long. Plus we have the updated tools for the contrast mammography so that's really huge," said Dr. Brigitte Ala.
Because the new machine can produce diagnostic images faster, the hospital has launched a new initiative called "Breast Days." During these dedicated days, patients can receive a diagnostic mammogram, immediately followed by an ultrasound and biopsy if needed.
Patient Carolyn Fordyce was grateful for the expediency when something unusual was detected on her scans last week.
"I didn't have to go home and stew about it and not sleep and whatever else goes with anxiety," said Fordyce. "It was great. I highly recommend it and tell women don't be afraid."
The hospital will also be extending testing hours to six days a week to combat the backlog of cases.
