As a result of requests from local breast screening services, we intend to put in place a national framework contract for digital mammography X-ray equipment. This approach will enable standardised equipment to be purchased and the best value for money to be obtained, and will support local services with national expertise. We also intend to put in place the necessary development work to enable the digital images created by the new equipment to be stored electronically in the picture archiving and communications system currently in use for other diagnostic imaging services.