10/08/2026
For Dr Susan Bell, who has been with us at St Andrew's Ipswich Private Hospital for over five years, there's one achievement in her career that stands out.
As a surgeon with sub-speciality training in breast and endocrine surgery, Dr Bell says her proudest moment was the introduction of SCOUT technology - a small wireless device used to mark the location of a breast lesion - to Ipswich, replacing the older method of inserting a thin wire into the breast.
"Traditionally we have used hookwires for this purpose, which are uncomfortable for the patient, have to be inserted by a radiologist on the day of surgery and can move prior to the procedure.
"With SCOUT technology, we don’t have to rely on radiologist availability as the seeds can be inserted at any time, which means we have the ability to operate sooner in some instances. It is much more pleasant for patients and an accurate method of localisation."
Dr Bell is also actively involved in GP education, recently appearing at an educational seminar for Ipswich West Moreton GPs with an interest in women's health and oncology.
Dr Bell specialises in the treatment of breast and (para)thyroid conditions, and also treats gallstones and umbilical and inguinal hernias. For more information, visit https://brnw.ch/21x4NSp
