BLUE HILL – Blue Hill Memorial Hospital (BHMH) has been awarded a three-year accreditation renewal in Mammography by the American College of Radiology, signifying the highest standards of excellence for a community hospital.

The American College of Radiology (ACR) awards accreditation to facilities for the achievement of high practice standards after a peer-review evaluation of the practice. This ensures that the physicians supervising and interpreting medical images meet stringent education and training standards. ACR accreditation also signifies that the imaging equipment is surveyed regularly by qualified medical physicists—to ensure that it is functioning properly, and that the technologists administering the tests are certified.

"Our accreditation renewal represents an ongoing achievement for BHMH," says Steve Votey, Manager of Diagnostic Imaging. "Our technologists - Melissa Eaton, Amy Houghton, and Sheryl Gray - do an outstanding job of providing patient care in a compassionate and personal manner."

The accreditation follows on the heels of the Hospital's decision, in November 2007, to improve patient care with state-of-the-art Digital Mammography—the best screening technology available today for detecting breast cancer. "With our new digital machine we are better able to detect cancer in women under 50, women who have dense breasts, and women who are pre- and peri-menopausal," states BHMH Radiologist, Richard Seger, MD. "With this digital technology we can change the density and contrast of the image and zoom in to get a better look at any area of concern." The American Cancer Society and American Medical Association recommend that women get a mammogram every year or two starting at age 40.

On Thursday, March 27, from 5-7pm, the Hospital will host a Digital Mammography Open House for those who are interested in seeing the difference between film and digital imaging. Staff will conduct tours of the department, describe the new technology and show examples of film and digital mammograms. Refreshments will be served.

Blue Hill Memorial Hospital is dedicated to providing primary and selected specialty healthcare of outstanding quality, caring for our patients with respect and compassion, and improving the health of the communities we serve. Blue Hill Memorial Hospital is an EMHS Member -- EMHS supports innovation and research to improve patient care.