NHS breast cancer screening appeal

NHS Breast Screening Service is appealing to Tameside businesses with land to help them home a mobile unit.

The appeal comes after the service resumed following an enforced break due to the coronavirus pandemic.

A mobile screening unit already resides at the Ashton Primary Care Centre, however, due to demand funds have been made available for the borough to utilise another van. 

But despite extensive discussions with the council, the markets team and health partners, a site has not yet been identified for the unit. 

Now the service is appealing to businesses and landowners for help.

The space would need to be big enough to fit one of the moveable units with room around the outside for access. There would also need to be an electricity supply, plus toilet facilities for staff.

The Improvement Lead at NHS Breast Screening, Caroline Mattinson, said: “It would need to be for about six months.

“We need somewhere that has got a car park big enough to hold the van. It’s not that big, but we need some space around it. Access for ladies to get to and toilet facilities for our staff who are on there all day. We will of course contribute any costs. Any businesses  or organisations that have got a space would be fantastic.”

The units play a vital part in helping to catch cancer early. 

Caroline added: “The main message is early detection, especially ladies between 50 and 70 who have no symptoms. Every three years they’ll be invited for their breast screening and its just a check before any signs arise.”

Women are now screened from the age of 50 and will receive a letter within three years of their 50th birthday. Women who are 71 and over can still self refer for a scan, but won’t be automatically contacted.

With the emergence of the coronavirus, screening had to be stopped in March, but resumed in July. 

Caroline said: “As you can imagine there’s an awful lot of ladies that have missed out on their screening.

“We want to make sure that we’ve got everyone back up to speed. There may be ladies who were invited for their screening appointment back in March but had it cancelled, we’ve got them back in but then we are running a bit behind. We’re getting there and doing really well with extra screening. This second van would be fantastic.”

The unit would usually be placed in a clinical setting, but space is restricted due to the pandemic and vaccination efforts.

Caroline explained: “We used to be able to use supermarket settings - we’d use some of the big superstores - but unfortunately we can’t run with diesel now, it has to have some sort of electric hook-up. That has limited us to places, but we are willing to go anywhere that is suitable.

“It’s a quick appointment,  and with Covid  we’re all using PPE and social distancing. 

“In the vans it is one lady on the van and one off so there’s no problem with overcrowding. The staff clean down the machines after each procedure to keep everyone safe.”

Businesses which believe they can help are asked to contact the team by calling 0161 291 4444 and asking for Caroline Mattinson. A full list of requirements will then be given.

Any women due a scan can call the same number to book.