Kerry Lombard is the National Radiography Service Manager with our BreastCheck programme. Kerry tells us about her day-to-day work, why she’s proud to work with BreastCheck and how working in screening offers opportunities for growth and development.
“I started working at BreastCheck in 2009 as a Senior Radiographer in the Merrion Unit in Dublin. After completing a master's in healthcare management, I took on the role of Deputy Radiography Service Manager in the Eccles Unit, where I worked for five years before taking on my current role.”
Kerry says that being a screening mammographer is both challenging and rewarding. “The most fulfilling aspect of my job has been working directly with our patients. I love that mammography has a higher level of connection with people than other imaging modalities.”
Kerry explains that the work setting varies between screening mammography, administration, mobile unit work, and follow-up interventional work in BreastCheck’s triple assessment clinics. “As a manager, I do a mixture of managerial, administrative and clinical work. I’ve had the opportunity to be part of the radiation safety and quality assurance teams and I enjoy the dynamic nature of these different roles in the programme. Working with the National Screening Service offers ample opportunities for growth and development.”
As a mother, Kerry enjoys the work-life balance the job offers. “I get to spend my evenings and weekends with my children. The working hours have been a great support to my family life.”
Kerry is most proud of the quality and high standards of care we provide to our screening participants. “I take pride in working at BreastCheck because it has always focused on operational excellence. BreastCheck has state-of-the-art equipment and was the world's first fully digital screening programme. The screening programme runs to internationally recognised standards of best practice. I enjoy being part of a culture that values quality and high standards of care.”
Working at BreastCheck has been “an enriching experience”, Kerry says, largely due to the diversity of staff and the cooperation between colleagues who share responsibilities. “Our radiographers are highly adaptable, readily embracing new challenges, and everyone strives to achieve their best. The camaraderie is most palpable on assessment clinic days when our multidisciplinary teams work together to ensure women get the best care.”
Breast screening aims to find breast cancer at an early stage when it can be easier to treat and there’s a better chance of recovery. “In the busy hustle and bustle of our everyday working lives, it's easy to forget why we are here. Our job is about supporting women through diagnosis and reassuring women who get a normal result. It's a privilege to make a difference in their lives. Sometimes, we take for granted the value we offer women by just being there for them when they come for screening. Ultimately, I work in breast screening because I value knowing screening makes a difference. Screening saves lives.”