Our services
Breast service
Breast imaging
Meet the team
Imaging for patients with breast symptoms
Our facilities
Why choose us
Contact the breast imaging unit

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Meet the team

BIU Mammogram 1

The unit has a team of more than 40 specialist staff who work closely with other colleagues to provide high quality care.

The imaging team

  • Administration, reception and secretarial staff - the unit's administration team is essential to efficient service delivery, and may well be your first point of contact. The unit's administration team is responsible for sending out invitations for screening, managing telephone enquiries, and co-ordinating appointments and test results. It liaises with other screening units, hospitals, GPs and the local Primary Care Trust.
  • Radiographic helpers - these are the members of staff responsible for the safe processing of mobile screening x-ray films, and their preparation for reporting. They also provide support for other members of the team. Currently, one of our radiographic aides is undergoing further training to become an assistant practitioner.
  • Assistant practitioners - these are state-registered members of staff specifically qualified in mammography for first stage screening and symptomatic women. They are responsible for some of the roles previously performed solely by radiographers, and also provide a supporting role to radiographers and radiologists.
  • Radiographers - the unit has 14 state-registered professionally-qualified radiographers, with specialist training in mammography. They are responsible for both screening and symptomatic mammography, and work on mobile screening units as well as at the department at the Princess Anne Hospital. They are also responsible for the imaging at second stage screening and supporting radiologists. Some radiographers undergo further training to become advanced practitioners.
  • Advanced practitioners -  these are senior radiographers with additional qualifications, who have further extended their roles and responsibilities to perform some tasks previously undertaken by doctors.
  • Radiologists - we have seven consultants who specialise in interpreting medical images and performing advanced radiological procedures to support diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. They review and report on mammograms, CT and MRI and perform ultrasound examinations. They are also responsible for advanced radiological procedures, such as core biopsy and pre-operative localisation.

The imaging unit works closely alongside other members of a multi-disciplinary team|, which includes:

  • Administration and secretarial staff for surgery and oncology
  • Breast surgeons (Southampton and Salisbury and Isle of Wight)
  • Specialist breast care nurses
  • Oncologists
  • Radiotherapists
  • Pathologists and cytologists
  • Research nurses

Medical students and staff training

As a specialist service within a large university teaching hospital, we provide training for medical students and other professional staff furthering their education. However, patient choice and confidentiality is respected at all times and if you have any concerns please speak to a member of staff.