THE Mobile Breast Screening Unit is to return to the Lakeland Forum, Enniskillen with scheduled appointments to begin from March 8, the Western Health and Social Care Trust has confirmed today (February 24).
The Trust has two such units which operate on a rotational basis across the Western Trust geographic area.
The mobile unit is returning to Enniskillen, having been in operation at the Dunne’s Stores site in Omagh since July 20 last.
There was an initial pause in the service from March-July 20, 2020, as part of a regional response to the pandemic, before the previously scheduled move of the mobile unit from Enniskillen to Omagh took place.
The service will operate extended appointment times to facilitate enhanced infection control and social distancing measures due to Covid-19.
As part of the screening programme, the Trust will work in partnership with Action Cancer, which will operate a second screening unit at the Forum site.
Ladies aged from 50-70 from the following GP practices will be called as part of the NHS Breast Screening Programme:
- Brookborough Practice,
- Dr. Toal and Maguire Practice, and
- Erne Health centre.
As part of the screening programme, the Western Trust will work in partnership with Action Cancer who will operate a second screening unit at the Forum site.
Ladies over the age of 70 can still make an appointment to attend for breast screening every three years, and any woman in this category can call the breast Unit at 0287 1611 443 to make an appointment.
Marietta Connor, Lead Mammographer at the Western Trust, said: “We would encourage ladies to attend their screening appointment when called and to inform the unit if they are unable to attend so that others may avail of that appointment.
“Whilst we endeavour to offer appointments as close to clients as possible, we need to use all available capacity to ensure that ladies receive appointments on time.
“If you or a loved one has any concerns or symptoms, then you should contact your GP to seek advice immediately.
“If required, your GP will make a referral to the Breast Assessment Unit at Altnagelvin Hospital, Londonderry for a full breast symptoms assessment.”
She added: “Thank you to Fermanagh and Omagh District Council for kindly allowing both screening units to be situated at the Lakeland Forum, and to Dunnes Stores, Omagh for facilitating our location throughout the past few months.”