Breast Cancer Support Gibraltar presented a lateral arm machine for the Radiology Department at St Bernard’s Hospital. This highly advanced piece of equipment is manufactured by Hologic Inc, a global medical technology company primarily focussed on women’s health. 

The addition of the lateral arm to the GHAs mammography biopsy unit is a huge benefit for patients, and will allow the clinical team to perform breast biopsies with better access and accuracy, especially in more difficult areas such as lesions close to the chest wall or in women with smaller breasts.

From a patient perspective, it can make the procedure feel much more comfortable and less intimidating, as the biopsy approach is from the side rather than directly in front of them. It also helps reduce movement during the procedure, which improves precision and can make the overall experience quicker and smoother.

Minister for Health and Care, the Hon Gemma Arias-Vasquez, GHA Director General Dr Paul Bosio, the Medical Director, the Acting Director of Nursing and representatives of the Breast Cancer charity attended the presentation at St Bernard’s Hospital.  

BCSG spokeswoman Heidi Jeffries said: “We are very pleased to be donating this specialised equipment which will improve the experience of women who have to go through these medical procedures. We have a close partnership with the GHA and share the same aim of providing the best healthcare possible for women undergoing such delicate tests. We will continue to support the Radiology Department in delivering their excellent service to patients.”

GHA Director General Dr Paul Bosio said: “I would like to thank the charity for their generous donation and continuous support for the GHA over many years. For the clinical team, the lateral arm improves positioning and stability, helping us target very small abnormalities and calcifications more effectively. It is especially valuable in more technically challenging cases and supports safer, more efficient biopsies. Patients will benefit greatly from this technology and this is always a welcome step in the right direction.”

The Minister for Health and Care, the Hon Gemma Arias-Vasquez, said: “Breast cancer touches the lives of so many women and families, and as a woman I know how important it is that these sensitive procedures are delivered with dignity. I am told this equipment will make a real difference to patient care, improving precision and comfort during breast biopsy procedures and supporting our excellent mammography and radiology teams in their work. I am very grateful to Breast Cancer Support Gibraltar for their generous donation and continued commitment to the GHA.”