New Mobile Breast Screening Unit Opens in Ellesmere Port to Improve Access for Local Women

Women in Ellesmere Port now have better access to life-saving breast cancer screening closer to home, thanks to a 3-month pilot mobile unit funded by NHS England.

The mobile breast screening unit, run by the Wirral and Chester Breast Screening Programme, is now based at Cheshire Oaks for the next 12 weeks, making it easier for local women to attend their appointments.

The new unit aims to improve screening uptake in Ellesmere Port, where historically, attendance has been low. In 2022, only half of the women invited for breast screening in the area attended their appointment.

Previously, residents have had to travel over five miles to the Countess of Chester Hospital, with journeys on public transport taking around an hour. The mobile unit at Cheshire Oaks reduces this travel time to less than 15 minutes and offers free parking, making screening more accessible for the local community.

Janelle Holmes, Chief Executive at Wirral University Teaching Hospital, said: "Early detection of breast cancer saves lives. This new mobile unit is an important step in breaking down barriers to access and ensuring women in Ellesmere Port have the opportunity to attend potentially life-saving screenings closer to home. We are proud to be working with NHS England and our community partners to make this possible."

The mobile unit follows a Health Equity Audit carried out by the Wirral and Chester Breast Screening Programme. The audit identified travel concerns as a significant barrier to screening, leading to the successful application for NHS England funding.

Michelle Watson, Breast Screening Programme Manager, said: "We are committed to making breast screening accessible to everyone. By bringing screening closer to communities, we aim to address health inequalities and ensure more women can benefit from early detection and treatment."

Women registered at the participating GP practices will receive invitations to book appointments at the mobile unit. The Breast Screening Team is encouraging all eligible women to attend when invited, as early detection greatly improves survival rates.

For more information about breast screening, visit www.nhs.uk/breastscreening.