Frisbie holds ribbon cutting for new state-of-the-art breast imaging center

Frisbie mammographer Chantel Estrella stands beside the hospital's new 3D breast imaging machine. (Rochester Voice photos)

ROCHESTER - Last week was a banner week for Frisbie Memorial Hospital.
Not only did they have a ribbon cutting for their new $1.5 million breast imaging center, but they were also awarded an "A" from a hospital ratings association that recognizes a hospital system's achievements in the protection of patients from harm and providing safe healthcare.
The Leapfrog Group assigns an 'A', 'B', 'C', 'D' or 'F' grade to hospitals across the country based on their performance in preventing medical errors, injuries, accidents, infections, and other harm to patients in their care. The grade was awarded to all New Hampshire HCA hospitals, which also include Portsmouth Regional Hospital and Parkland Medical Center in Derry.

Frisbie Memorial Hospital CEO Tim Jones talks about the importance of the hospital's new breast imaging center prior to Thursday's ribbon cutting ceremony.

The ribbon cutting for Frisbie's new Breast Imaging Center was held on Thursday, with Frisbie CEO Tim Jones doing the honors before some 30 city officials, hospital employees and Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce members.
The center, which opened in March, includes 3D breast imaging, breast ultrasound and bone density screening.
"This is state-of-the-art 3D breast MRI and ultrasound," Jones told The Rochester Voice. "Now Rochester residents won't have to leave town to get these services.
Breast imaging center mammographer Chantel Estrella said the 3D mammogram is a huge improvement over 2D imagery.
"This can show us the different layers so we can find cancers earlier than a regular 2D x-ray," she said.
According to the American Cancer Society, when breast cancer is detected early, such as it may during a routine screening mammogram, when it is small and before it causes symptoms (like a lump in the breast that can be felt), it is easier to treat successfully.
For more information about the Breast Imaging Center at Frisbie Memorial Hospital, call 603.602.5460.