St George’s to build state-of-the-art breast unit
A new Breast Diagnostic Unit, is to be opened at St George’s Hospital, Tooting, it was announced today (7th September 2010). St George’s is a regional cancer centre and its clinical results for breast screening are among the best in London. The trust has identified a site for a modern stand-alone facility, which will open in 2011, providing state-of-the-art services for the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer and other breast diseases.
The trust is host to the South West London Breast Screening Service and St George’s National Breast Screening Training Centre, and provides breast services for symptomatic local women. The new unit’s fully integrated digital equipment will improve the efficiency of the screening process, allowing more women to be screened and making rapid access to further diagnostic tests available. Clinics for women with breast symptoms will be provided and the unit will also offer one-stop diagnostic clinics where all diagnostic tests can be performed at the first appointment.
Dr Louise Wilkinson, director of screening at St George’s, said:
“This announcement is really positive for women in South West London. This will be a sophisticated unit, providing women with a modern, high-quality and efficient screening and diagnostic service, in a calm and caring environment. The quality of care at St George’s has always been of the highest standard and the new environment will ensure that women benefit from the best possible services in a building designed for the purpose.
“Early detection of breast cancer is the key to successful treatment and this unit will provide all the tests women need in one place at one time, and give them their results quickly. This will help reduce anxiety for women and allow the team to fully investigate any problems more efficiently.”
Notes to editors
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