After an NHS career spanning more than four decades, consultant radiographer Ann Hills retired at the end of February from her role in the breast imaging department at our Trust. Many of her colleagues gathered to wish her well on her final day at work.
One of Ann’s many achievements was organising and leading the new local Breast Screening Service as part of the NHS Breast Screening Programme (NHSBSP) in 1989, a national initiative that continues to save thousands of lives every year.
Ann, 65, joined the West Suffolk Hospital (WSH) in June 1983 as a newly-qualified radiographer after training at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. She planned to gain experience at the WSH and then move on, but in 1984 she met her husband to be, Rob, who lived locally, and as Ann says: “The rest is history.”
Ann said: “Initially the department had one mammography unit in a very small part of the main radiology department at the West Suffolk Hospital and a mobile screening unit travelling around west Suffolk. We moved to the current location at the WSH in 2002, where we expanded to two mammography units and our own ultrasound machine. The additional space allowed us to work alongside the breast surgical team to create one breast care department.
“There have been many changes over the years, notably the expansion of the service for people who feel they may have symptoms of cancer. This was originally one fast-track clinic a week - we now can have up to 10 clinics a week. The department has three static mammography machines, two mobile screening units and two ultrasound machines, and a team of dedicated administrative staff and radiographers.
“I am very proud of what this department has achieved over the years, I feel we have always strived to provide a safe, high-quality service to our patients. I feel honoured to have worked with such dedicated and skilled colleagues and although I am looking forward to retiring, I know I will miss the challenge of the work and all the different people that I come into contact with during my working day.
“I am pleased to have been able to pass on the experience I have gained over the years to my colleagues and hope the department continues to grow and develop to meet the new challenges which are on the horizon,” said Ann, who lives in Bury St Edmunds.
Ann and Rob have two daughters and a grandson. Ann said: “I was able to work full time as Rob took the brave decision to give up work and become a full time ‘house husband’ which he did amazingly well. This allowed me to continue my career and eventually become a consultant radiographer.”
Head of radiography, Kelly Fuller said: “Ann has played a vital role in the breast unit during her time here as a consultant radiographer and will be greatly missed by everyone who has had the privilege to work with her. Ann’s retirement will be a huge loss to the service, but we are grateful that she has supported many people in training over the years and her wealth of knowledge will be passed down to those following in her footsteps.
“I know that Ann has not only made a difference to the service and our patients over the years, but has also been a huge support to her colleagues who hold her in the highest regard. Ann has had an exceptional career and I wish her all the very best in her well-deserved retirement.”
Background:
· The NHS Breast Screening Programme in England was set up in 1988 and provides three-yearly routine breast screening to women
· In 2024, NHS breast screening services detected cancers in 18,942 women across England, which otherwise may not have been diagnosed or treated until a later stage, and the most comprehensive review to date found around 1,300 deaths are prevented each year by the breast screening programme.