Suitable Sites
Step 1 - Finding a Suitable Site
The community must find a free suitable space for screening to take place.
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Wheelchair accessible building
The mammography equipment is large, heavy and on wheels. Wheelchair access is essential. In winter snow must be removed from all ramps, sidewalks and doorways.
- Doorways at least 30½ inches wide
Hallways need to accommodate the turning radius of the equipment (which is motorized) and must be greater than 43 inches. Elevators must be large enough for the equipment.
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Washrooms nearby
Proper health practice requires staff to wash hands between clients. A washroom is also required for use of the clients.
- Mammography area
A private room of about 100 square feet (10 feet by 10 feet) with a regular standard outlet is needed. It is important that the unit is the only one to be plugged in on that circuit to avoid breaker difficulties in the building. Please provide a small table (a place to put supplies) and two chairs. Doors with locks are preferred. Windows need to be covered.
- Reception / Waiting area
We require a waiting area with 2-3 chairs and a table for the educational material.
- Darkroom area
We need a small room such as a walk-in supply closet or washroom. Mobile staff will modify the room to be light tight. A light tight space is required for changing x-ray films in the cassettes. The room must be free of dust and clutter as dust can show up on the x-ray films. If the mobile is scheduled over a 2 week period or more, this room must remain setup the entire time, including weekends.
- Equipment storage
It is preferable if the equipment remains set up for the duration of the screening visit.
- Work hours
Mobile staff generally work three 12-hour days per week. They usually start their day in Winnipeg on a Monday, drive to the mobile site, set up the equipment and begin to screen until 8:00 PM at night. They usually spend Monday and Tuesday night in the community. On Wednesday they screen clients allowing sufficient time to return to Winnipeg to process their films and be finished by 8:00 PM.
