Joining The Primrose Foundation: Maggie Jenkin

My journey to becoming one of the Trustees of The Primrose Foundation starts from being a Radiographer staff member of The Primrose Breast Care Centre. I recently retired and wished to carry on supporting the patients, staff and the centre. I have spent the major part of my career in breast imaging services in the NHS.

Early days saw me taking breast x-rays (mammograms) and processing the images in a dark room.

Technology and equipment improved so that it was possible to roll out mammography as a screening tool for the earlier detection of breast cancer. Finding small cancers before women were aware of a lump themselves. The National Health Service Breast Screening Programme (NHSBSP) was introduced in 1988.

I transferred from the Portsmouth Breast Unit, to Derriford Hospital Breast Unit and have been a part of many wonderful changes.

The advent of the NHSBSP encouraged improvements in the provision of mammography services in general hospitals for women with breast symptoms and the ways of working for hospital breast clinics.

The quality assurance programmes associated with breast imaging, breast surgery and breast treatment have led to ongoing improvements in the way women are treated for breast cancer and breast disease. This is all backed by rigorous research and evidence based.

The technology jump 15 years ago lead to new digital technology and no longer having to develop x-rays anymore. Computerised imaging meant quicker and more efficient throughput. Mammograms and ultrasound images, patient reports all available on a screen instantly!

I have lived and worked through amazing change and improvement in the treatment and outcomes for women diagnosed with breast cancer.

Having now retired from my Primrose days, the Foundation role of trustee allows me to give time and experience back.

I have seen how the Foundation has worked since its inception, it’s first task was raising funds for the purpose built unit at Derriford Hospital which opened in 2001. Since then the Foundation have funded equipment, patient facilities and support, funded staff roles and staff training, supported research and more!

I look forward to joining a team of dedicated trustees charged with administering the funds that are raised by fabulous people who feel grateful for the work of the Primrose Breast Care Centre.

Breast cancer is a very emotive issue. We want to see patients given the very best treatment and options available to them.