The mammography unit at Norrland University Hospital, NUS, in Umeå conducts approximately 22,000 screening examinations each year, and also 5,200 on clinical indications.
Breast radiologists are a type of radiologist who specializes in breast and breast cancer.
Previously, there were three breast radiologists at Norrland University Hospital, but after retiring at the beginning of the year, there are now only two employees.
- We have to cover up with rental staff, says Jörgen Strinnholm, operations manager at X-ray.
There is a shortage of breast radiologists throughout the country and several hospitals are struggling with staffing.
- It is very difficult to recruit from in other parts of the country.
Everyone jerks in those who exist, says Jörgen Strinnholm.
Prioritized based on medical assessment
At present, it is possible to call women for screening according to the intervals recommended in the county.
This is because mammography activities have been maintained without interruption throughout the pandemic.
- Our staff has made a great effort throughout the pandemic and they are the ones we have to thank for us being able to keep our waiting times for the screening, says Jörgen Strinnholm.
But for patients who have been referred, there are waiting times.
They are prioritized based on medical assessment.
- But our sickest patients always have a short waiting time, says Jörgen Strinnholm.
Recruited training doctor
To solve the staffing problems at NUS, a large number of training doctors and young specialists have been recruited for several years.
This has meant that the need for hired doctors has decreased a lot since 2017.
But this effort takes time - because the training to become an X-ray specialist is five years, and then the subsequent training to become a breast radiologist.
- We have young doctors and employees with an interest and desire to train as breast radiologists, which is positive.
We hope that we can soon turn the ship around and the shortage in this way, says Jörgen Strinnholm.