Menu
25/03/2019
Breast Assessment Centres To Be Reduced To Three Locations
Appointments for breast assessments will soon be available at less hospital sites in Northern Ireland under new proposals to consolidate services and reduce waiting times.
The Department of Health has launched a consultation on the plan which would see the service focused to three locations- Altnagelvin Hospital in L'Derry, the Antrim Area Hospital and a site in greater Belfast, likely to be the Ulster Hospital.
It comes amid a rapid review of breast surgery, with waiting times for breast assessments set to worsen as demand increases.
Assessment centres provide a 'one stop' clinic for patients. They deal with referrals for breast symptoms which may be suggestive of cancer, known as symptomatic referrals. Also covered are referrals from breast screening mammography tests that indicated the need for follow-up assessment.
The overhaul aims to establish a model of care which will ensure high quality, safe, sustainable, accessible and timely services.
Richard Pengelly, Department of Health Permanent Secretary, said: "We have listened carefully to patient voices and it is very clear that timely access to care is the overriding priority. The way breast assessment services are currently delivered is becoming increasingly fragile.
"Staffing challenges are an important factor behind these pressures and demand for care, including urgent referrals for suspected cancer, is increasing.
"Sticking with the current model would mean ongoing and worsening vulnerability, with deteriorating waiting times for assessment. That would simply be unacceptable.
"Consolidating care on three sites means we can provide durable and quality services, for the benefit of patients and staff."
A centralised appointment booking system is also planned, as well as a regional Breast Assessment Network to shape and support provision for the people of Northern Ireland.
The consultation opened today, Monday 25 March and will run for 12 weeks until Monday 17 June.
(JG/CM)
The Department of Health has launched a consultation on the plan which would see the service focused to three locations- Altnagelvin Hospital in L'Derry, the Antrim Area Hospital and a site in greater Belfast, likely to be the Ulster Hospital.
It comes amid a rapid review of breast surgery, with waiting times for breast assessments set to worsen as demand increases.
Assessment centres provide a 'one stop' clinic for patients. They deal with referrals for breast symptoms which may be suggestive of cancer, known as symptomatic referrals. Also covered are referrals from breast screening mammography tests that indicated the need for follow-up assessment.
The overhaul aims to establish a model of care which will ensure high quality, safe, sustainable, accessible and timely services.
Richard Pengelly, Department of Health Permanent Secretary, said: "We have listened carefully to patient voices and it is very clear that timely access to care is the overriding priority. The way breast assessment services are currently delivered is becoming increasingly fragile.
"Staffing challenges are an important factor behind these pressures and demand for care, including urgent referrals for suspected cancer, is increasing.
"Sticking with the current model would mean ongoing and worsening vulnerability, with deteriorating waiting times for assessment. That would simply be unacceptable.
"Consolidating care on three sites means we can provide durable and quality services, for the benefit of patients and staff."
A centralised appointment booking system is also planned, as well as a regional Breast Assessment Network to shape and support provision for the people of Northern Ireland.
The consultation opened today, Monday 25 March and will run for 12 weeks until Monday 17 June.
(JG/CM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
09 May 2019
Appeal For Public Engagement With Breast Services Consultation
The Chief Medical Officer Dr Michael McBride is appealing to the public to respond and engage with the ongoing consultation on breast cancer assessment services in Northern Ireland.
Appeal For Public Engagement With Breast Services Consultation
The Chief Medical Officer Dr Michael McBride is appealing to the public to respond and engage with the ongoing consultation on breast cancer assessment services in Northern Ireland.
26 July 2022
Health Minister Highlights 'Crucial Importance' Of Cancer Screenings
The Health Minister Robin Swann has highlighted the crucial importance of cancer screening, urging people to attend screenings when they are invited to do so. Minister Swann visited a Mobile Breast Screening Unit at Dromalane House in Newry.
Health Minister Highlights 'Crucial Importance' Of Cancer Screenings
The Health Minister Robin Swann has highlighted the crucial importance of cancer screening, urging people to attend screenings when they are invited to do so. Minister Swann visited a Mobile Breast Screening Unit at Dromalane House in Newry.
16 April 2019
Questions Raised Over Plans For Breast Assessment & Stroke Services
Plans to reconfigure breast and stroke assessment services in Northern Ireland have been criticised, with calls for an extended and more transparent consultation process to allow for clear scrutiny of the changes.
Questions Raised Over Plans For Breast Assessment & Stroke Services
Plans to reconfigure breast and stroke assessment services in Northern Ireland have been criticised, with calls for an extended and more transparent consultation process to allow for clear scrutiny of the changes.
22 November 2024
SF Calls For Action On NI Mental Health Services
Sinn Féin has called for more to be done to improve mental health services across the north of Ireland. The party's mental health spokesperson, MLA Órlaithí Flynn, made the call after the release of the Registrar General's 2023 Annual Report which has highlighted an increase in deaths by suicide in 2023.
SF Calls For Action On NI Mental Health Services
Sinn Féin has called for more to be done to improve mental health services across the north of Ireland. The party's mental health spokesperson, MLA Órlaithí Flynn, made the call after the release of the Registrar General's 2023 Annual Report which has highlighted an increase in deaths by suicide in 2023.
25 June 2019
Engagement To Continue On Breast & Stroke Services
The Department of Health has announced three additional public engagement events for the reshaping of stroke and breast assessment services.
Engagement To Continue On Breast & Stroke Services
The Department of Health has announced three additional public engagement events for the reshaping of stroke and breast assessment services.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
