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Breast service moves to Irvine to reduce waiting times

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NHS Ayrshire and Arran’s symptomati­c breast service unit has relocated from University Hospital Crosshouse to a newly refurbishe­d area opposite South West of Scotland’s breast screening service at Ayrshire Central Hospital (ACH) in Irvine.

The symptomati­c breast service has continued to receive time critical cancer referrals from GPs for women with new breast symptoms such as lumps or other changes throughout the pandemic. These patients attend the rapid access clinics and this new location allows the service to continue to provide essential care, while minimising the risk to patients and staff.

Tracy Dalrymple, assistant general manager cancer services, said: ‘We are excited to be able to welcome patients into the newly refurbishe­d unit.

‘It’s really important to be able to provide this essential cancer care to as many patients as possible during this time. With breast cancer referrals remaining high over the pandemic, reducing diagnostic delay is essential, as early detection can improve prognosis and enable early initiation of appropriat­e care.

‘Since the start of the pandemic, our staff have been looking at ways to continue providing essential patient care in the safest way possible. This move, along with the purchase of our new mammogram machine and our newly recruited consultant, will continue to bring about a number of benefits to the service, allowing us to see and treat many more patients and reduce waiting times.’

 ??  ?? Dr Kelly, consultant radiologis­t and director of South West Scotland breast screening service; Tracy Dalrymple, assistant general manager cancer services and John Burns, health board CEO.
Dr Kelly, consultant radiologis­t and director of South West Scotland breast screening service; Tracy Dalrymple, assistant general manager cancer services and John Burns, health board CEO.

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