A former out-patient sister at the Erne Hospital and secretary of the Fermanagh Branch of Combat Cancer performed at the official opening this week of the Enniskillen hospital’s new mammography unit in the radiology department.

Mrs. Jane Packham, who cut the tape on the development, speaking at a short reception at the Erne on Monday afternoon, said it was an “honour” and she was delighted that the hospital has a “permanent unit”.

The mammography equipment was bought at a cost of £50,000 and renovations costing about £4,000 have taken place within the radiology department in order to house the equipment in a self-contained suite.

Provision has been made for waiting facilities and changing cubicles, ensuring the privacy of all women who attend for screening.

According to a spokesman for the new mammography unit, the Government set up a Breast Screening Programme under the National Health Service following the Sir Patrick Forest Report.

“From April of this year, this screening service has been established at the Erne Hospital,” said the spokesman, who added: “The equipment is used to provide a two-fold service, Dr. Reilly, consultant radiologist from Altnagevlin and his staff, provide a screening service at the Erne Hospital; the equipment is also used for diagnostic purposes by Erne Hospital staff, with support from Altnagevlin staff.

“All ladies over the age of 50 are eligible to have mammography screening carried out free under the National Health Service.

“Ladies between the ages of 50 and 65 will be offered screening and will be called up automatically. Those over 65 who wish to have mammography screening may ask to be included in the Breast Screening programme, through their General Practitioner.”