The University of Salford has received a grant of £180,000 from the Garfield Weston Foundation towards a new state of the art Mammography system which will be located in the new Centre for Medical Imaging.

The university and the foundation will be jointly funding this piece of equipment which will play an integral role in ensuring that the facilities and environment match the real-world clinical setting for which we prepare our students.

Professor Margaret Rowe, dean of the School of Health and Society at the university, said: “We are incredibly grateful to have the support of the Garfield Weston Foundation. Medical Imaging is a vital part of healthcare services in the UK, with diagnostic radiographers using a range of technologies to diagnose disease, abnormalities, cancers and to inform treatments, procedures and therapies.

“This generous gift will ensure the university is able to grow the programme offer, train a greater number of workforce talent, expand services to match the clinical environment and develop new partnerships with industry.”

Over the past decade, the university has become a leader in the region, as well as nationally and internationally recognised, with the Undergraduate Radiography course rated eighth out of 25 in the 2020 Sunday Times Good University Guide.

Garfield Weston foundation director, Philippa Charles, said: “Our Trustees are delighted to support this important project. The new Mammography system will enable the university to train and develop the next generation of radiographers at a time when the country needs them most.  

“We look forward to following the development of the Centre for Medical Imaging and the positive impact that it will bring.”

Chair of Council at the university, Lord Keith Bradley, added: “This much-needed Mammography System will further ensure we are future-proofing our NHS workforce, as well as providing a critical clinical service for the region in breast screening, so severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.”