Women who are registered with The Ongar Health Centre and Abridge Surgery are to be invited to access breast screening at a mobile unit in Epping from December 2022 to February 2023.
The mobile breast screening unit will be located in the front car park, St Margaret’s Hospital, Epping, Essex, CM16 6TN, and will be seeing patients aged between 50 and 70 who are due for their three yearly screen.
It is anticipated that approximately 2,200 women will be invited for screening over the coming months.
The breast screening service, which is provided by The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust, is an important part of a national approach to detecting cancer. It is estimated that across the country, 1,400 lives will be saved each year by the programme.
Helen Lavelle, breast service manager at The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust, said: “Our mobile unit contains the latest equipment and technology. Upon arrival, each patient will be greeted by a radiographer, who will explain the process. The screening takes less than seven minutes and the results are available two to three weeks later. It will be three years before women are called again in this area. It is hoped that more women than ever before will take up the opportunity of this vital examination.”
Women are screened every three years after the age of 50 and until they are 70.
Women within this age range will receive an automatic open invitation to book an appointment time.
Please note that women cannot just drop in for an appointment, but if they wish to check when they may be called, they can contact the office on 01992 560001.
Special arrangements can be made for women with a disability by contacting 01992560001.
After the age of 70, women can call for an appointment on 01992 560001.