Leuven (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – University Hospitals Leuven upgraded its Mammography Department with 4 suites, 5 ultrasound rooms, new low-radiation machines, and a stereotactic biopsy room. Radiologist Dr. Machteld Keupers praised improved efficiency and comfort.
As VRT News reported, the Mammography Department at University Hospitals Leuven has moved to a larger, newly renovated space on the Gasthuisberg campus. The relocation came after an 18-month study. The department now has 4 mammography suites, each with its own modern machine, and 5 ultrasound rooms.
How has UZ Leuven upgraded its mammography department for patients and staff?
The hospital has also upgraded its equipment and biopsy facilities to improve care and safety. The 3 new mammography machines produce clearer images with less radiation. 2 of these machines are designed to let nurses work without bending or straining. A new stereotactic biopsy room is now available, equipped with an ergonomic table, while staff take precise 3D-guided samples.
Breast screenings at University Hospitals Leuven are set to become faster, with shorter waiting times. Full improvements are expected from January 2027, as appointments are often booked a year ahead. The hospital says the changes are part of a broader effort to make the process smoother for everyone involved.
“We’ve been asking for a new mammography department for years,”
Says radiologist Dr.
Patients on-site can now check in quickly using a QR code, removing the need for a nurse to assist with registration. A staffed desk will still be available for anyone who prefers personal contact. The renovated department also features a modern infrastructure and a waiting room.
Machteld Keupers says,
“It was frustrating to see everyone working so hard in often cramped spaces, with too few machines or overcrowded waiting rooms. Now we can work more efficiently in a more pleasant environment.”
University Hospitals Leuven has carried out similar upgrades before. A few years ago, the Radiology and Imaging Department was renovated and expanded to make patient visits faster and easier. New machines, including low-radiation CT scanners and high-resolution MRI devices, were added to improve accuracy. The project also created separate rooms for different scans.
