15 April 2026
An X-ray window which checks breast biopsy samples is reducing patients needing to return for further biopsies – the kit was bought thanks to Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital Charity.
The additional X-ray window, which fits to the existing screening machine, has allowed both mammography rooms at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital (RSH) to offer the same service for patients.
A specimen X-ray window can be used to check the sample there and then, rather than inviting the patient to return if the sample was not adequate.
The RSH operates two mammography units but, until recently, only one of them had the capability to X-ray specimens during biopsy procedures.
Now both mammography machines can X-ray the biopsy samples, thanks to a £15,000 donation from Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital Charity. This improvement means that specimens can be examined more quickly and accurately.
The benefits for patients are significant. Reduced waiting times mean treatment can begin sooner, improving overall outcomes and patient experience.
Additionally, the new system helps to prevent unnecessary multiple biopsies, ensuring that patients undergo only the procedures that are needed.
This development marks another positive step in The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust’s (SaTH) ongoing efforts to enhance the quality and efficiency of its care.
Sian Burley, Deputy Superintendent & Advanced Practitioner – Clinical Support Services (CSS) Division, said: “Being able to X-ray the specimen is very important as it is a visual aid to reassure practitioners the correct area has been adequately sampled.
“The additional X-ray window has allowed both mammography rooms to offer the same service for our patients, with the intention of reducing ‘insufficient’ samples.
“An insufficient biopsy results in additional biopsies for patients, potential delays in treatments and a poorer patient experience. The additional X-ray window has standardised the process for all patients requiring this service and increased our capacity.”
Julia Clarke, Director of Public Participation, said: “It is great that we can now offer such an in-depth service to our patients, and increase the amount of people who can be seen.
“Our patients are our main priority. I am so glad we can make their experience smoother and give them reassurance that they are getting the best treatment they can in order to give them a quicker diagnoses and quicker access to treatment.”
Caption: Julia Clarke, Director of Public Participation, Jess Nightingale, Radiographer and Sian Burley, Deputy Superintendent & Advanced Practitioner, with the new kit