One more step in making health care accessible was taken Nov. 16 when 18 UNH employes were able to get their annual mammograms on campus.

Exeter Hospital's mobile digital mammography van, which utilizes the most innovative and accurate technology for detecting breast abnormalities, came to Durham last week to provided the service through a project sponsored by the Operating Staff Council.

“It was very efficient,” says Beth Potier, a writer with Media Relations. “I got right in on time and was out in probably 15 minutes. If you were working, you could get the whole thing done and still have time for a sandwich.”

Potier had used the mobile van previously at her health care provider in Newmarket. She described it as similar to an RV, with what would be the living room in a residential model being used as the waiting area where a nurse was doing intake. The mammography machine was in the back, where one would expect a bedroom to be located. 

“The hospital staff was very cordial, and they obviously are a very caring group of professionals,” says Kevin Charles, assistant vice president of Health Services. “They showed the van's setup and how the process flows.  Clearly, they go to great lengths to make patients feel comfortable. It was a wonderful collaboration all around.”

The first-time offering was done in conjunction with Tandem Health Care and the UNH employee clinic, located at Health Services, who submitted the claims on patients’ behalf to Harvard Pilgrim. A second date to offer the testing is being planned for spring 2013.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women after skin cancer. Today, about 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer. Early detection has shown to make a difference in treatment and spread of the disease. Digital mammography allows for shorter exam times, increased comfort, lower radiation, and greater accuracy. 

Photos courtesy Dawn Zitney