Breast Screening in the Southern Trust goes mobile
The Southern Trust has taken delivery of two new mobile breast screening units marking a new era for breast cancer diagnosis in Northern Ireland.
The units are fully digital, meaning images are no longer printed onto film but are viewed and stored electronically.
Image quality is significantly enhanced assuring ladies who attend for screening in the area the latest technology to help improve early detection of breast cancer.
Dr Linda Johnston, Director of Breast Screening for the Southern Health and Social Care Trust said, “As part of the regional replacement plan we are delighted to have received two new state of the art breast screening mobiles, designed to the highest standards.
“These new mobiles will offer screening for women across the Southern Trust and will be staffed by mammographers from the Screening Unit at Craigavon Area Hospital.
“The two new mobile units offer significant benefits, including an improved patient experience in a more comfortable environment.
“A major design feature is improvements in access particularly for less able patients which include more space within the unit, a disabled access lift, illuminated step treads to reduce trip hazards for visually impaired clients and a staff call feature for those who cannot manage the steps,” she continued.
“Breast screening can detect cancer at an early stage, improving the chance of a successful recovery and reducing the risk of dying from the disease. Approximately 1,300 lives are saved each year in the UK as a result of the Breast Screening Programme.
“All women aged 50 to 70 in Northern Ireland are invited for breast screening every three years. Already, 75% of these women attend their appointment but there is still room for improvement.
“We want to save as many lives as possible by encouraging early detection of breast cancer, so to help make the process much more convenient and accessible to women, are bringing the units to more community locations throughout the Trust area.”
Women aged over 70 are still entitled to avail of breast screening if they wish but do not receive an automatic invitation. They can ring to request an appointment on 028 3839 7020.
The Units will rotate between, Lurgan Hospital, Dromalane Site, Newry, Armagh Community Hospital, South Tyrone Hospital, and Banbridge Health Centre.
Details of the dates and locations where you will be able to see the units across Northern Ireland is available at www.cancerscreening.hscni.net
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