The NHS Breast Screening Programme screens around 2 million women every year. The mammography x-ray test carried out by mammographers working in the programme is identified as a repetitive task.
The health of the mammography workforce is vital when you consider we are inviting more women for screening each year while facing recruitment challenges. We must make every effort to reduce work-related musculo-skeletal disorders (WRMSK) and, in a profession where we care for others, it is time to care for ourselves!
It is essential we encourage all mammographic staff to adopt best ergonomic practice to avoid or minimise harm from work-related injuries within their clinical practice.
That is why today we have published Breast screening: ergonomics in screening mammography, a good practice guidance for ergonomics in breast screening mammography for employers and employees.
As an experienced mammographer, I understand the issues and how we can support and educate colleagues working within breast screening to change behaviours to reduce the risk of injury.
Mammographers should feel confident to expect their chosen career to be long and enjoyable without succumbing to personal injury. Adopting good ergonomic practice can help us to achieve this.
Other useful information on GOV.UK includes:
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