The Clinical Training Team were proud to be awarded SCoR Radiography Team of the Year for Scotland 2024!
The Scottish Academy of Breast Imaging (SABI) in Glasgow has offered Mammography training for over 20 years across Scotland, the rest of the United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland. SABI courses focus on the needs of Breast Service as a whole and are offered to a number of healthcare practitioners including Radiographers, Assistant Practitioners, Sonographers, Nurses, Breast Radiologists, Breast Surgeons and Breast Clinicians.
SABI offers a range of courses including PgCert Mammography for Radiographers and HECert Mammography for Assistant Practitioners. Advanced Practice options are designed to enable professional and clinical skills development for individuals who wish to extend their scope of practice within breast imaging. Further modules are available through Queen Margaret University (QMU) in Edinburgh to support the full MSc Awards and the 4 pillars of practice.
Courses are delivered either online or in person (see individual module information) and use QMU systems such as the Library and Canvas to support student learning.
All courses are approved by the College of Radiographers and run in collaboration with QMU. The PgCert Breast Ultrasound is also CASE Accredited.
The Scottish Academy of Breast Imaging Team
The Clinical Training Team were very pleased to win the 2024 SCoR Radiography Team of the Year for Scotland! Simon, Zoe and Christine travelled down to the ceremony in London on 7th November to collect the awards. The certificates will be hung on the walls of the Edinburgh and Glasgow Breast Screening Centres with pride!
The Scottish Academy of Breast Imaging is based at the West of Scotland Breast Screening Centre in Glasgow. Simon Holmes is National Mammography Training Lead and is responsible for running the Academy alongside Maureen McAuley who is Programme Administrator. You will find their contact details at the bottom of this site.
SABI also has a Clinical Training Team who are Band 7 Mammographers supporting the education and training of Mammographers and Assistant Practitioners on the PgCert and HECert Mammography programmes as well as delivering Clinical Updates across Scotland, the rest of the UK and Ireland to help maintain standards of practice within breast imaging.
There are currently 8 SABI Clinical Trainers:
Christine Loder, Claire Crawford, Isabelle Tait, Kayleigh O’Loughlin and Samantha McWaters are based at the West of Scotland Breast Screening Centre in Glasgow.
Alyson Munro, Laura Dick and Zoe Allan based at the South East Scotland Breast Screening Centre in Edinburgh.
SABI Courses
The Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert) in Mammography: 60 Credits SCQF Level 11
PgCert Mammography intakes: March, August and November
The PgCert Mammography delivered by the Scottish Academy of Breast Imaging is a 9 months blended course designed to allow HCPC or Coru Registered Radiographers to train as Mammographers. All the academic content is delivered by SABI via three online blocks and includes pre-recorded resources and live workshops. You will be offered a Clinical Training week in either Glasgow or Edinburgh where you will be assigned a Clinical Trainer for a full week of face-to-face clinical teaching. Your Clinical Trainer will also travel to your own department to carry out the assessments associated with the clinical modules.
You will also require a Work-place Mentor who will support your learning throughout the course.
Each 20 credit module reflects 200 hours of learning and you will need support to carry out a minimum of 20 Mammograms per week throughout the course.
The PgCert Mammography runs three times a years and you can apply to register in March, August or November
The three modules you will need to complete to be eligible for the PgCert Mammography award are as follows:
- Mammography and Person-centred Care (RM097) 20 Credits: This module aims to provide the learner with the theoretical and practical base to develop a high level of expertise in mammography and person-centred care.
- Mammography Practice-based Learning (RM098) 20 Credits: This module aims to encourage the learner to develop as a competent reflective practitioner within breast imaging integrating theory and practice associated with MLO and CC projections.
- Advanced Mammography Skills (RM099) 20 Credits: This module aims to encourage the learner to develop as a competent reflective practitioner within breast imaging integrating theory and practice associated with advanced mammographic projections.
Advanced Practice Options: Various Credit Ratings at SCQF Level 11
Advanced Practice Modules: various intakes throughout the year
All advanced practice modules delivered at the Scottish Academy of Breast Imaging require a Work-place Mentor who will support your learning throughout the module as well as carry out the clinical assessments.
- PgCert Breast Ultrasound 60 Credits: This CASE Accredited 60 credit award consist of three 20 Credit modules. You can opt to complete the whole PgCert Breast Ultrasound to complete modules as CPD if you have the module prerequisites. Contact SABI for more information.
- Physics and Instrumentation of Ultrasound (RM087) 20 Credits (September intake): This module starts in September and is taught face-to-face over five days at the Royal Edinburgh Infirmary enabling healthcare practitioners to learn about and critically evaluate the scientific and technological principles of ultrasound and the appropriateness of using ultrasound within medical imaging.
- Breast Ultrasound (RM088) 20 Credits (January intake): This fully online module starts in January and will enable healthcare practitioners to understand the theoretical principles of breast ultrasound and be able to competently and safely practice ultrasound imaging of the breast and produce diagnostic clinical reports.
- Ultrasound Guided Breast Interventional Procedures (RM089) 20 Credits (June intake): This module starts in June and is taught face-to-face over four days at the SABI providing the healthcare practitioner with the appropriate knowledge and skills to develop a high level of expertise in ultrasound guided interventional procedures of the breast and to perform effective and safe ultrasound guided biopsy procedures.
- X-ray Guided Interventional Breast Procedures (RM095) 20 Credits (October intake): This module starts in June and is taught face-to-face over four days at the SABI providing healthcare practitioners with the appropriate knowledge and skills to develop a high level of expertise in stereo x-ray guided interventional procedures of the breast.
- Clinical Breast Examination and Communication (RM096) 20 Credits (November intake): This module starts in November and is taught face-to-face over four days at the SABI providing the healthcare practitioners with the appropriate knowledge and skills to develop a high level of expertise in Clinical Breast Examination and demonstrate, with sound theoretical knowledge, effective communication and counselling skills.
- Mammographic Image Interpretation (RM100) 40 Credits (March intake): This module starts in March and is taught face-to-face over four days at the SABI providing the healthcare practitioners with the appropriate knowledge and skills to develop a high level of expertise in mammographic image interpretation, thus enabling the autonomous practitioner to participate in the diagnosis, reporting and assessment of breast disease.
Higher Education Certificate (HECert) in Mammography: 120 Credits SCQF Level 7
HECert Mammography: January intake
The Higher Education Certificate in Mammography a 12 month blended course designed to allow non-registered staff to train as Assistant Practitioner Mammographers. All the academic content is delivered by SABI via five online blocks and includes pre-recorded resources and live workshops. You will be offered a Clinical Training week in either Glasgow or Edinburgh where you will be assigned a Clinical Trainer for a full week of face-to-face clinical teaching. Your Clinical Trainer will also travel to your own department to carry out the assessments associated with the clinical module.
You will also require a Work-place Mentor who will support your learning throughout the course.
Each 20 credit module reflects 200 hours of learning and you will need support to carry out a minimum of 20 Mammograms per week throughout the course.
The HECert Mammography starts in January each year.
The five modules you will need to complete to be eligible for the HECert Mammography award are as follows:
- Production of the X-ray Image (R1052) 20 Credits: This module will develop knowledge of the physical principles involved in x-ray production and the fundamental principles involved in image production as well as developing an awareness of the hazards of radiation, the principles of radiation safety and radiation protection legislation.
- Breast Anatomy and Disease (R1053) 20 Credits: This module is designed to equip the learner with knowledge of anatomy and physiology of the breast as well as common breast pathologies and associated treatment options.
- Communication (R1054) 20 Credits: This module will allow the learner to develop effective strategies of communication with clients, patients, relatives, carers and all members of the health care team they encounter.
- Person-centredness in the Breast Care Service (R1055) 20 Credits: This module is designed to enable learners to gain an awareness of person-centred approaches to healthcare delivery focussing on practices and protocols necessary to maintain optimal standards of care.
- Mammography Practice for Assistant Practitioners (R1056) 40 Credits: This work-based module will enable the learner to develop organisational skills prior to the imaging procedure in order to acquire routine mammographic projections to comply with National Standards whilst demonstrating appropriate client/patient care and reflective practice.
Extended Practice for Assistant Practitioners in Mammography: Single 20 Credit Module
Extended Practice for Assistant Practitioners in Mammography: May intake
Extended Practice for Assistant Practitioners in Mammography (R1051) 20 Credits: This standalone module is designed for Assistant Practitioners in Mammography (Mammography Associates) who wish to develop their clinical skills and extend their scope of practice. The aim is to provide the learner with a range of skills to develop their clinical knowledge and technique of additional mammography views within assessment clinic including mag and coned views, the augmented breast, implantable devices and post clip imaging.
All the academic content is delivered by SABI during a single online block and includes pre-recorded resources and live workshops. You will be offered a Clinical Training week in either Glasgow or Edinburgh where you will be assigned a Clinical Trainer for half a week of face-to-face clinical teaching. Your Clinical Trainer will also travel to your own department to carry out the assessments associated with this clinical module.
The module starts in May and lasts for 7 months.
PgDip/MSc Mammography: Additional modules through QMU
A variety of study options are available to you if you wish to complete the PgDip Mammography (120 Credits) or the full MSc Mammography (180 Credits). You can select from the clinical modules offered directly by SABI or options focussing on the other pillars of practice delivered by QMU:
- Education
- Leadership
- Research Methods
- Dissertation
You have a maximum of 7 years to complete the full MSc. If you have previous appropriate academic credits from SABI/QMU and are unsure if you can include them within you MSc then please contact SABI.
If you have studied modules at other Universities you may be able to use these academic credits towards your MSc. If you are unsure whether you can include them within you MSc then please contact SABI.
For general information on your module options and how they might link to the academic credits you already have please contact SABI.
SABI Clinical Training
Overview
Face-to-Face clinical training is offered to all students on the PgCert Mammography (1 week), HECert Mammography (1 week) or extended Practice for Assistant Practitioners in Mammography module (half a week). This is delivered by a designated SABI Clinical Trainer in either Glasgow or Edinburgh. The dates for your clinical training week and your named Clinical Trainer will be assigned to you when you apply for the course. Your Clinical Trainer will work with you throughout the course and be your point of contact if you have any difficulties. They will also arrange the dates for your clinical assessments which will be done on mutually convenient dates and in discussion with your line manager and mentor.
Glasgow Centre
The Clinical Training week in Glasgow is at the West of Scotland Breast Screening Centre which is situated on Nelson Mandela Place in next to Queen Street Train Station in Glasgow City Centre. There are 5 Clinical Trainers who work at this centre; Claire, Isabelle, Christine, Kayleigh and Samantha
Edinburgh Centre
The Clinical Training week in Edinburgh is at the South East Scotland Breast Screening Centre which is situated at Ardmillan House near Haymarket Train Station in Edinburgh City Centre. There are 3 Clinical Trainers who work at this centre; Alyson, Zoe and Laura.
Workplace Mentors
Overview
For all modules which have a clinical element, you will be expected to have a Workplace Mentor. This is someone who will be selected by your Line Manager to support your learning throughout the duration of the course. They may also be required to carry out clinical assessments depending on the modules you are registered on.
Roles and responsibilities of the Workplace Mentor
Your Workplace Mentor will have a number of roles and responsibilities to ensure you are supported throughout your studies but differ slightly depending on which course you are registered on. In general, these include being available for the duration of the course, ensure you have the necessary departmental clinical time and resources to successfully complete the course as well as provide formal and informal feedback to fulfil module requirements. These points will be agreed with your Workplace Mentor at the beginning of your studies
Workplace Mentor Training
The roles and responsibilities of a Workplace Mentor is dependant on the course, and therefore specific online training is offered for all individuals embarking on Workplace Mentorship. Firstly, the Workplace Mentor will be given access to some online resources to review. This is followed by an hour long online session delivered via MSTeams where the SABI Lead covers the expectations, documentation and assessment associated with the module(s). A CPD certificate will be given for all individuals who attend the online mentor training.
For information regarding the expectations of a Workplace Mentor please contact SABI
SABI Clinical Updates
Overview
SABI offers Clinical Updates which are facilitated by the Clinical Training Team. These are bespoke and can be arranged for individuals or departments depending on need.
If you have a member of staff who has a consistency high Technical Recall rate for instance, SABI can put a package involving one-to-one training. These Clinical Updates tend to run at the Glasgow or Edinburgh Breast Screening Centres.
If you simply would like an informative Clinical Update for your department, then again SABI can put a package together but the Clinical Trainers will come to you for these.
How to organise a clinical update
For costs and how to organise a clinical update please contact Maureen McAuley at SABI
How to apply for courses
To apply for the clinical mammography courses and modules run directly by SABI then contact Maureen McAuley and an application form will be sent out to you.
Modules associated with the MSc Mammography such as Research Methods and Dissertation are run directly by QMU and should be applied for via this link: MSc Mammography Online Application
If you are unsure and want to discuss options then please contact Simon Holmes.
Entry Requirements
PgCert Mammography
To apply for the PgCert Mammography you will need a degree or diploma in Diagnostic Radiography or Therapeutic Radiography with HCPC/Coru registration and current employment in a clinical environment offering mammography experience.
HECert Mammography
To apply for the HECert Mammography you will need 2 passes at SQA Higher Level or equivalent and working in a clinical environment offering mammography experience.
PgCert Breast Ultrasound
To apply for the PgCert Breast Ultrasound, applicants must be a healthcare practitioner currently employed in a clinical environment offering breast ultrasound experience to study the workplace modules and have with the support of a line manager and workplace mentor.
Advanced Practice Clinical Modules
To apply for the Advanced Practice Clinical Modules, applicants must be a healthcare practitioner currently employed in a clinical environment offering relevant experience to study the workplace modules and have with the support of a line manager and workplace mentor. Please contact Maureen McAuley at SABI to discuss entry requirements.
MSc modules through QMU
To apply for MSc modules through QMU such as Research Methods or Dissertation please contact Simon Holmes to discuss options. and entry requirements.
Recognition of Prior Learning
You may be granted exemption from studying a module, provided you can demonstrate successful achievement of all the learning outcomes. Please contact Simon Holmes to discuss options.
IELTS
If English is not your first language then you will be required to provide evidence of English language competence at IELTS 7 (no less than 6.5 in any element) or equivalent.
Useful Resources
Additional information can be found below via the QMU Website although ensure you discuss options with Simon Holmes before applying for any QMU specific options:
Student Stories
Here are two testimonials from previous students on the MSc Mammography Programme:
Where to find us
The Scottish Academy of Breast Imaging is based at the West of Scotland Breast Screening Centre in Glasgow:
Stock Exchange Court,
77 Nelson Mandela Place,
Glasgow,
G2 1QT
How to contact the Scottish Academy of Breast Imaging
If you are applying for the clinical courses run by SABI then contact Maureen McAuley who will send you an application form as well as general information about the course you wish to apply for: Maureen.McAuley@ggc.scot.nhs.uk
Contact Maureen McAuley for information regarding course fees: Maureen.McAuley@ggc.scot.nhs.uk.
If you are unsure and want to discuss options then please contact Simon Holmes simon.holmes@ggc.scot.nhs.uk
The AHP and AHP HealthCare Support Worker Education Fund is offering AHP staff the opportunity to apply for funding for the following learning and development opportunities:
Using Counselling Skills within AHP Professions at Strathclyde University for both AHP and AHP HCSW staff.
Exploring Practice and Practices Learning at Work 2024 at Glasgow Caledonian University. A work based learning module open to AHP HCSWs only
HNC OT Support 2024 at Glasgow Clyde College open to all AHP HCSWs who support Occupational Therapy in any aspect of their role.
Applications close on Monday 4th November 2024 at 9.00am
Clinics are held on weekdays at Level 1A, Laboratory Medicine Building, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow. Peripheral Clinics are held, usually monthly, at the following locations:
- Crosshouse Hospital, Kilmarnock
- Houldsworth Centre, Wishaw
- Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary, Dumfries
- Forth Valley Royal Hospital, Larbert
All referrals should be sent to the Clinical Genetics Service at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (Laboratory Medicine ) and the patients will be offered an appointment at the nearest appropriate clinic, or in some situations, a virtual consultation.
Specialist Genetic Clinics
Prenatal Genetics Clinics
- Consultant and Genetic Counsellor clinics are held at Clinical Genetics Department, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital
- MDT Clinic alongside Fetal Medicine Service at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital
Cancer Genetic Clinics
Consultant and Genetic Counsellor clinics are held at Clinical Genetics Department, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital
At present, satellite clinics for cancer genetics are not being held at locations around the region, but patients will be offered remote consultation by video or telephone as an alternative to travelling to Glasgow to be seen face to face, as appropriate.
It is not always necessary to see patients with cancer genetics family history in clinic, and some referrals will be dealt with by letter.
Myotonic Dystrophy Clinics – Adults
Staff Grade Doctor delivers clinics, weekly at Clinical Genetics Department, QUEH, Glasgow, and at peripheral locations: University Hospital Crosshouse, Forth Valley Royal Hospital, The Houldsworth Centre in Wishaw, University Hospital Monklands. Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary, Inverclyde Royal Hospital and Vale of Leven Hospital.
Multidisciplinary Clinics with Clinical Genetics Involvement Achondroplasia – Children
Jointly with paediatric endocrinology/neurosurgery/ENT/respiratory medicine/orthopaedics. 4-5 times per year, Royal Hospital for Children (RHC), Glasgow
Aortopathy – Children
Jointly with paediatric cardiology, paediatric rheumatology and clinical genetic input. Two times per year, RHC Glasgow
Cardiac Conditions – Adults and children- Direct referrals to ‘Inherited Cardiac Conditions’ on SCI-Gateway
Jointly with Consultant Cardiologists. Weekly, Clinical Genetics department, QEUH, Glasgow
Child Development
Jointly with community paediatricians in Child Development Centres, Greater Glasgow & Clyde/Lanarkshire/Ayrshire
Complex Bone Disorders- Children (direct referrals to paediatric endocrinology)
Jointly with paediatric endocrinologist. Twice monthly, RHC, Glasgow
Craniofacial Clinic – Children
Jointly with craniofacial team, QEUH, Glasgow
Dermatology- Children and Adults
Jointly with Consultant Dermatologists, QEUH, Glasgow
Differences in Sexual Development clinic – Children
Jointly with Paediatric Endocrinology, Clinical Psychology. Monthly, RHC, Glasgow
Endocrine cancer (familial paraganglioma, MEN, VHL)- Children and adults
Jointly with endocrinologists at QUEH, Glasgow, and with endocrinologists at RHC, Glasgow.
Endocrine/Genetic clinic- Children
Jointly with paediatric endocrinology. Two times per year, RHC Glasgow
Epilepsy – Children
Jointly with Paediatric Neurologists, RHC, Glasgow
Fetal Medicine
Jointly with Fetal Medicine Service, QUEH, Glasgow
Huntington Disease Management
Jointly with Consultant Neurologist. Institute for Neurological Sciences, QUEH, Glasgow
Neurofibromatosis 2 (Schwannomatosis)
Jointly with specialist ENT and skull base surgeons. QEUH, Glasgow
Neurogenetic/movement disorders – Adults
Jointly with Consultant Neurologist, Institute for Neurological Sciences, QUEH, Glasgow
Neurogenetics – Children
Jointly with Neurologists at RHC, Glasgow
Neuromuscular – Children and adults
Jointly with Paediatric Neurologists. Monthly to bimonthly. RHC Glasgow. No direct referrals.
Jointly with Adult Neurologists. Bimonthly to quarterly. Clinical Genetics, QUEH. No direct referrals.
Paediatric Rheumatology/Genetic clinic
Jointly with paediatric rheumatology. Two times a year, RHC Glasgow
Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis Clinic
Patients seen at Clinical Genetics clinics initially, and thereafter by Assisted Conception Service.
Chloe Cowan
- Interim Acting R&I Director
Email: Chloe.Cowan@ggc.scot.nhs.
Chloe Cowan
Email: Chloe.Cowan@ggc.scot.nhs.uk
Dr Katriona Brooksbank
Email: katriona.brooksbank2@ggc.scot.nhs.uk
Dr Melissa Robert
- Research & Innovation Systems & Operations Manager
Email: melissa.robert@ggc.scot.nhs.uk
Dr Caroline Watson
- Research Governance Manager
Email: Caroline.Watson@ggc.scot.nhs.uk
Dr Samantha Carmichael
Email: Samantha.Carmichael@ggc.scot.nhs.uk
Dr Judith Godden
Email: Judith.Godden@ggc.scot.nhs.uk
Charlie Mayor
Email: Charlie.Mayor@ggc.scot.nhs.uk
Clare Orange
Email: clare.orange@ggc.scot.nhs.uk
Tracey Hopkins
- Lead Research Radiographer
Email: Tracey.Hopkins@ggc.scot.nhs.uk
Sandra Quinn
Email: Sandra.Quinn2@ggc.scot.nhs.uk
As clinical staff may not be in the department or may be on leave, it may be preferable to contact via the genetics secretaries or generic email / phone rather than directly.
Telephone: 0141 354 9200 or 0141 354 9300
Email: GGC.geneticssecretaries@ggc.nhs.scot
Consultant Clinical Geneticists
- Dr Rosemarie Davidson (Lead Clinician for Cancer Genetics and for Huntington disease)
- Dr Pete Constantinou
- Dr Shelagh Joss (Lead clinician)
- Dr Cheryl Longman (Neuromuscular genetics consultant)
- Dr Mark Hamilton
- Dr Ruth McGowan (Lead clinician for cardiac genetics, Lead clinician for DSD)
- Prof Daniela Pilz
- Dr Sarah Wedderburn
- Dr Jenny Patterson
- Dr Karolina Pesz (lead clinician for prenatal diagnosis and preimplantation testing)
- Prof Edward Tobias (Senior Lecturer & Honorary Consultant)
Speciality Doctor
Specialist Registrars
- Dr Kerra Templeton
- Dr Lisa Bryson
- Dr Rhiannon Mellis
- Dr Lucy Littlejohn
- Specialist Registrars usually remain with the department for the duration of their 4 year training programme or may rotate to other Scottish Clinical Genetics Centres
WoS Genetic Counsellors
- Mark Longmuir (Head of Service): Lead Consultant Genetic Counsellor
- Nandini Somanathan: Principal Genetic Counsellor
- Subhashini Crerar (she/her): Consultant Genetic Counsellor, Clinical Lead for Prenatal & Neurodegenerative Genetic Counselling. Specialities: Rare Disease, Neurogenetics and Prenatal
- Irene Esteban: Genetic counsellor
- Angela Iley: Genetic Counsellor
- Abrar Buhlaiqah: Pre-registered Genetic Counsellor
- Lisa Hay: Pre-registered Genetic Counsellor
- Terix To: Pre-registered Genetic Counsellor
- Camelia Harrison: Pre-registered Generic Counsellor
- Somya Ellis: Pre-registered Generic Counsellor
Cancer Genetic Counsellors
- Catherine Watt – Principal Genetic Counsellor
- Nicola Bradshaw – Macmillan Principal Genetic Counsellor
- Jennifer Gorrie – Genetic Counsellor
- The cancer genetics service provides comprehensive genetic counselling to individuals with a family history and / or a personal history of cancer, This process involves constructing detailed and confirmed family histories, risk assessment, arranging screening and or genetic analysis/ testing where appropriate and providing ongoing support. The service also participates in various U.K and international research studies.
Genetic Clinic HCSW’s
- Elaine Sprowl
- Sylvia McCreight
Neuromuscular Care Advisor
Supports children with neuromuscular conditions and their families.
Further info available at www.smn.scot.nhs.uk Care-Advisor.pdf (scot.nhs.uk)