A NEW PERMANENT breast screening service is now available at the Ulster Hospital, providing a state-of-the-art clinic closer to home for local patients.
The new clinic is a result of a partnership between the South Eastern and Belfast Health Trusts.
The new fixture is equipped with high-end breast screening technology and a designated waiting room. The space is also accommodating for those with disabilities.
The unit was commissioned and constructed by the South Eastern Trust and will replace the mobile detection unit once located beside Old Mill Surgery. Staffing the modernised clinic will be radiology professionals from the Belfast Trust.
The localised clinic aims to bring healthcare closer to home for local patients, eliminating the need for them to travel to Belfast to receive this vital service.
Breast imaging service manager, Noelle Clerkin, stated they were ‘proud to open’ the new facility.
“The new unit will provide a more relaxed and comfortable environment for those women attending at what can be an anxious time for them,” she said.
“Accessibility to our service is so important, making sure that patients who are invited to breast screening attend. This new unit will allow those to attend a local service without having to travel a great distance.
“We are very lucky to work with the South Eastern Trust Breast Service and to provide a screening service for local women,” said the manager.
Mammography and promoting informed choice lead, Paula Kennedy said the equipment within the unit is brand new and it has all been digitalised to allow for future-proofing.
“The unit now has better facilities for the staff with the addition of a kitchen and toilet,” she said. “Our aim is to keep breast screening services local and make sure that everyone has access to the service.
“ Breast screening is all about saving lives, we want to be able to detect breast cancer at an early stage. Early detection is the best protection.”
Breast screening patient, Julie Lemon, shared her experience of using the new facility: “Attending the new unit was so handy, I didn’t need to travel into Belfast,” she said. “It is such a lovely unit, so bright and airy which really makes a difference, it is far nicer than the mobile unit.
“Coming for a breast screening appointment can be an anxious time but the environment in the new unit made me feel at ease, it was like a breath of fresh air that will really make a difference for women,” Ms Lemon said.
The units will be able to see approximately 50 women a day, five days a week. The new Breast Screening Service is set to hold an information stand in Tesco Springhill in Bangor. This will be occurring on Thursday, July 25 from 1pm to 4pm.
Those aged 50 to 70 are invited to attend a breast screening every three years. If an appointment doesn’t suit, patients can contact the screening office on 028 9033 3700.
