National Breast Imaging Academy set to train a generation of experts in Manchester

A new national training academy which will train as many as 50 additional breast imaging specialists every year has opened its doors in Manchester.

The National Breast Imaging Academy (NBIA) is based at Wythenshawe Hospital, part of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), as an extension to the hospital’s existing Nightingale Centre – which is where thousands of North West women a year already go for mammograms and for other breast care services.

The purpose-built building will now train a generation of breast imaging specialists to go on to work all over the country, addressing a significant workforce shortfall which would otherwise have serious ramifications for the future of mammography services. It also houses the first contrast mammography machine in the north west, which uses new technology to improve breast cancer diagnosis in younger patients with dense breasts.

The building was jointly funded by a major fundraising appeal delivered by our Charity and Prevent Breast Cancer, along with funding from NHS England. Supporters raised almost £4m to fund the building and its services, and many of these have been publicly recognised on a ‘Tree of Thanks’ art installation within the Academy.

Long-time Prevent Breast Cancer patron Sally Dynevor – herself a breast cancer survivor – was one of the first to tour the new Academy building. She said: “This Academy is an absolute jewel in the crown for breast cancer care in England. To think that the next generation of breast imaging specialists will learn their trade within these walls and go on to help women through the devastating experience of breast cancer diagnosis is really incredible.

“Every breast cancer journey starts with diagnosis, and having timely access to a specialist can help make that part of your journey that bit easier. It certainly did for me when I was diagnosed – not facing an agonising wait for a mammogram stopped me spiralling with worry before diagnosis. And that’s not to mention the hundreds of thousands of women going for regular mammogram screens every year – all of whom will be seen by a breast imaging specialist.

“I’ve supported Prevent Breast Cancer for almost 20 years now, since before I was diagnosed myself, including taking on huge challenges like climbing to Everest Base Camp in 2019 and Mount Kilimanjaro with my son, Sam, and a team of 13 others in September last year. To see the Academy finally open its doors and be ready to welcome patients and trainees is just amazing.”

The Academy will provide space to accommodate up to 13,000 additional breast clinic appointments a year, helping to meet local demand for breast services. Each year, up to 50 new specialists ranging from apprentices through to radiologists will be trained through the Academy while simultaneously working in NHS Trusts across England.

Dr Mary Wilson, consultant breast radiologist at MFT and programme lead for the NBIA, said: “The NHS breast screening programme has been under pressure from reduced workforce levels for a number of years now but the Academy has the potential to change that by providing a steady flow of qualified experts to work all over the country in breast imaging.

“This unique training academy will offer us a wonderful environment in which to train the workforce needed to support breast services across the country, together with increasing our capacity to see additional patients and providing space in which to undertake life saving research. It has taken over four years to achieve this goal, and it is a very proud moment indeed to finally see it standing here ready to welcome patients through its doors. I would like to say a special thank you to all our generous supporters who have made this a reality.”

Angela Rowe, our Acting Charity Director, said: “MFT Charity is incredibly proud to have helped make the National Breast Imaging Academy a reality. Seeing the Academy open its doors is a special moment for everyone who has supported this project. So many donors, fundraisers and supporters have played a part in making this happen and we can’t thank them enough.

This Academy will make a real difference for patients, not only here in Manchester but across the country, by helping more women access the care and specialist expertise they need.”

Trevor Rees, Acting Chair at MFT added: “The Nightingale Centre at Wythenshawe Hospital is already a renowned breast specialist centre, and now with the addition of the National Breast Imaging Academy it becomes truly world leading. MFT is proud to house this important new building and be part of shaping the future of breast imaging in the UK.”

Nikki Barraclough is chief executive of Prevent Breast Cancer, which is the only UK charity focused entirely on the prediction and prevention of breast cancer. She added: “Our supporters have been instrumental in getting the bricks in the wall of this incredible Academy, and I offer every single one of them my deepest thanks. Breast imaging is a central part of breast cancer prediction, prevention and diagnosis. It’s a vital part of the journey which is why it’s so imperative that new experts are being trained and welcomed to the NHS workforce.

“As well as providing much needed training and thousands more appointments every year, the Academy will play an important role in supporting breast cancer research in the UK. Patients seen on site will be able to partake in studies and pilots investigating breast cancer causes, helping advance the pace of breast cancer research.”

Patients seen at the Academy will typically have been referred for investigation either after noticing a symptom such as a lump, or following a mammogram which requires additional screening. The Academy provides two mammography rooms, two ultrasound rooms, a training suite and patient consulting rooms.