Hospital Unveils Advanced 3D Mammography

KINGSTON – HealthAlliance Hospital, a member of the Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth), the pre-eminent provider of integrated health care in New York’s Hudson Valley region, celebrated a significant advancement in women’s healthcare in Ulster County and the Greater Hudson Valley with the addition of advanced Hologic 3D Mammography™ technology at its Kingston campus.

The addition of 3D Mammography exams strengthens HealthAlliance Hospital’s position as a regional leader for advanced comprehensive health services, providing world-class patient-centered care with advanced diagnostic tools and medical excellence. Utilizing advanced breast tomosynthesis technology, 3D Mammography exams are clinically proven to significantly increase the detection of breast cancers while decreasing the number of women asked to return for additional testing.1-8 This can mean earlier and more accurate diagnoses, which have the potential to expand the treatment options available to patients.
Acquiring the state-of-the-art system was made possible thanks to a gift from the WMCHealth Foundation, utilizing funds raised at this past June’s Michael Bradley Finnegan Golf Classic.

“Breast cancer detection is a crucial healthcare service, and the 3D Mammography enhances our ability to detect early signs of cancer, improving the regional standard for women’s healthcare and breast cancer diagnosis in Ulster County,” said Elissa Chessari, Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of HealthAlliance Hospital. “Our vision at HealthAlliance Hospital remains focused on providing world-class and patient-centered care close to home. This investment is going to reduce barriers to care and improve patient outcomes. I especially want to thank the WMCHealth Foundation and the Finnegan family for their commitment to investing in the health of our community, and our community partners, and elected officials for celebrating this milestone at HealthAlliance Hospital.”

“The introduction of 3D Mammography technology at HealthAlliance Hospital improves a crucial medical service for our community. It gives our residents access to world-class care and advanced technologies right here in Ulster County,” said Congressman Pat Ryan. “This is an important investment in women’s health and the well-being of patients and families in our region.”

“Women’s health is one of the most underinvested areas of healthcare, and breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women. This state-of-the-art mammography technology is a vital addition to HealthAlliance Hospital’s Kingston campus, expanding access to early detection and helping save lives in the Hudson Valley,” said State Senator Michelle Hinchey.

“The addition of 3D Mammography technology marks an important milestone in women’s healthcare for our Ulster County residents. This elevated imaging and diagnostic procedure can help residents better identify the signs of breast cancer and improve early detection,” said Assemblywoman Sarahana Shrestha. “We welcome this investment by HealthAlliance Hospital to ensure world-class, innovative healthcare right at home.”

“We are grateful to WMCHealth for continuing to fulfill its commitment to strengthening Kingston’s healthcare infrastructure,” said City of Kingston Mayor Steve Noble.

“Investments in women’s healthcare benefit the entire community, and 3D Mammography will equip patients and their families with the resources they need to make important and informed medical decisions.”

“Early detection of breast cancer saves lives, and I am thrilled that HealthAlliance has invested in 3D Mammography, which allows for earlier and more precise detection,” said Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger. “I never miss my regular screening, and encourage women who do not get routine mammograms to consult with your physician about this life-saving preventive step.”

“Right now, fewer than half of women aged 50 to 74 in Ulster County receive regular breast cancer screenings. Nationally, the goal is to reach 80 percent, but here in Ulster County, our goal is 100 percent,” said Ulster County Public Health Director Eve Walter. “Expanding access to advanced 3D Mammography at HealthAlliance Hospital is a critical step toward that goal, ensuring more women are screened, cancers are detected earlier, and lives are saved.”

“Every New York resident should have access to state-of-the-art healthcare innovations, and this new 3D Mammography technology brings that to Ulster County,” said Pari Forood, Executive Director, Miles of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation. “We are grateful to WMCHealth for this investment and for supporting advanced, compassionate women’s healthcare.”