A new state-of-the-art mobile breast screening unit has been unveiled with the aim of increasing accessibility and early detection for women in Stoke-on-Trent. 

The North Midlands Breast Screening Service has been taking members of the public on guided tours of the new unit at Affinity Staffordshire in Talke.

The event welcomed women from the local community who gathered to celebrate a major step forward in improving access to life-saving screening services in the community.

Michelle Ellitts, superintendent radiographer and programme manager at UHNM said: "It's really important that we are able to bring screening into the community and make it easily available for women and this new state of the art van allows us to do just that. 

"We are able to promote the benefits of early diagnosis to our community while giving women greater access to our services.

"By coming for breast screening, we can find breast cancer sooner, giving women better outcomes with early diagnosis, less treatment and shorter hospital stays. 

"This is the best thing to happen to our service in a really long time and the ability to reach the women across our community is fantastic."

This service plays an important role in healthcare for women aged 50–70 who are invited for routine breast screening every three years, as well as offering self-referral options for women over 70. 

The mobile unit within the community helps bring care closer to home for women in Stoke-on-Trent.

The new breast screening unit was officially opened by two patients, Brenda White and Sylvia Proctor from Stoke-on-Trent, who took part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Brenda White, who is 70, was diagnosed with breast cancer in November 2022 after visiting the mobile unit in Kidsgrove. 

 She said: "It's so important to be able to have these services within reach of you, and this new van is walking distance from me. 

"The facilities are lovely and throughout my journey with cancer everyone has been so friendly so please do ensure you attend your appointment when you are contacted, don't miss the opportunity."

Attendees were introduced to the dedicated all-female team behind the service, whose professionalism and compassion ensure a welcoming experience for every patient. 

The staff also provided insights into how the service works and answered any questions about the importance of early detection in the fight against breast cancer.

For more information about the North Midlands Breast Screening Service, please visit the UHNM website here.