National Breast Imaging Academy (NBIA)
The National Breast Imaging Academy will open its doors in April 2026 – a pioneering, purpose-built centre created to train the next generation of breast imaging specialists, funded by £3.9 million raised together by Prevent Breast Cancer and Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust.
National Breast Imaging Academy (NBIA)
The National Breast Imaging Academy will open its doors in April 2026 – a pioneering, purpose-built centre created to train the next generation of breast imaging specialists, funded by £3.9 million raised together by Prevent Breast Cancer and Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust.
What Is The National Breast Imaging Academy?
What began in 2019 as a bold idea has now become one of Prevent Breast Cancer’s most significant achievements: a fully built national training hub designed to tackle the severe workforce shortages across breast imaging in the UK.
At a time when breast centres were closing, waiting lists were growing and demand for breast screening continued to rise, the Academy was created to deliver long-term, sustainable change.
Why The Academy Was Needed
Breast cancer remains the most common cancer in the UK for women, with around 58,253 people diagnosed every year.
Across the UK, breast imaging services have faced increasing pressure, with workforce retirements and recruitment shortages contributing to growing delays in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.
The Academy stands as a direct response to this crisis: a centre dedicated entirely to training, developing and supporting breast imaging professionals at every stage of their careers.
Saving Lives Like Rebecca’s
I was young, I was only 37. It felt like my world was falling apart. But breast cancer can be treated if it’s detected early enough. The importance of this building is huge in creating a world free from breast cancer.
How The Vision Began
The idea for an Academy began in late 2019 – an ambitious concept that quickly grew into a national mission. When the pandemic hit, fundraising was forced to pause overnight, yet the need for The Academy only intensified as screening backlogs escalated and workforce pressures deepened.
In response, the project was redesigned into a more achievable one-storey building, with the flexibility to expand in the future.
Understand more about the journey first hand from Prevent Breast Cancer Chief Executive, Nikki Barraclough in our blog National Breast Imaging Academy: Idea to Vision.
Bringing The Vision To Life
In her follow‑up blog, National Breast Imaging Academy: Vision to Reality, Nikki continues the story, taking you through the challenges and breakthroughs that followed. She highlights the coordinated fundraising efforts, vital support from MPs and charitable trusts, and the dedication of supporters whose commitment helped us reach the £3.9 million target.
What The Academy Will Deliver
More Mammograms, More Research, More Lives Saved. Now that construction is complete, the Academy will:
The impact of this work will be felt nationally, improving patient care, strengthening services, and ultimately saving lives.
What Comes Next
With the building complete, the next chapter begins. The Academy will welcome trainees, expand capacity and help transform breast imaging services across the UK.
Together, we’re creating a future where breast cancer can be predicted, prevented and diagnosed earlier and where every woman receives the care they deserve.
Where Is The National Breast Imaging Academy?
The Academy is situated inside The Nightingale Centre, and it does not have its own entrance. Please follow directions to The Nightingale Centre below.
How to get there
The Nightingale Centre’s full postal address is:
The Nightingale Centre
Wythenshawe Hospital
Southmoor Road
Manchester
M23 9LT
Travelling by car:
There is a car park directly outside The Nightingale Centre. Please bring cash with you to pay for your parking. The hospital has excellent motorway links and is easily accessible from the M60 and M56.
From North & West: exit M60 at junction 5 (A5103 / M56), exit A5103 at A560.
From South: exit M56 at junction 3a (A560).
From East: exit M60 at junction 4 (M56), exit M56 at junction 2.
If you are using a satnav, enter postcode M23 9LT.
The Nightingale Centre also has a drop-off and pick up point and you can park in our car park, for free, for up to 20 minutes.
Public Transport options:
Tram – the nearest tram stop is Roundthorn which is only a 5-minute walk away from The Centre.
Bus – View all available bus routes to Wythenshawe Hospital.
Cycle – There is a bike locking station at the front of The Nightingale Centre, and a bike shed in front of the Outpatients Department.
Park and Ride – The Wythenshawe Hospital shuttle runs from Monday – Friday (not including UK bank holidays) and timetables are available for Oxford Road to Wythenshawe and Wythenshawe to Oxford Road.
About Prevent Breast Cancer
Prevent Breast Cancer is the only UK charity entirely dedicated to the prediction and prevention of breast cancer – we’re committed to freeing the world from the disease altogether. Unlike many cancer charities, we’re focused on preventing, rather than curing. Promoting early diagnosis, screening and lifestyle changes, we believe we can stop the problem before it starts. And being situated at the only breast cancer prevention centre in the UK, we’re right at the front-line in the fight against the disease. Join us today and help us create a future free from breast cancer. If you have any questions or concerns, email us today.
