April 23, 2008 - St John's Hospital in Livingston, part of NHS Lothian's University Hospitals Division, installed the first Siemens new generation full-field digital mammography system in the UK, replacing an old analogue system in hopes of shortening examination times and improving departmental efficiency.
Part of the nine-system order via the Scottish Procurement Framework, the MAMMOMAT Inspiration was recently designed with the input of healthcare professionals. Reportedly offering quick exposure and display times, the MAMMOMAT Inspiration is designed to speed up patient throughput and provide detailed digital images for diagnosis.
The MAMMOMAT Inspiration features new compression technologies, a paddle design and mood lighting for patient comfort. An X-ray tube with isocentric rotation is reportedly user friendly and adjusts according to each patient. With a new AEC algorithm, dose is calculated according to the individual patient's breast size and tissue type to ensure the lowest possible dose, according to the company. Fully configurable to future advances in digital mammography including stereotactic biopsy and 3D imaging using tomosynthesis, the system will only require a simple upgrade to offer screening, diagnosis and tomosynthesis on a single digital platform.
The system has been integrated into the existing Picture Archiving & Communication System (PACS) at St John's Hospital ensuring that all digital images are now seamlessly linked and can be accessed in the breast clinic. This has enhanced efficiency across the department as previously hard copies had to be produced and sent along manually.
For more information: www.usa.siemens.com/medical
March 06, 2026 
