Furness General Hospital has recently opened a new unit for breast care. The new unit will help women in detecting and treating breast cancer. Mammography, breast ultrasound, biopsy and various other services are now available.
The new unit was opened in a ceremony attended by patient Elsa Bowron, in addition to a number of campaigners and public figures. Ms. Bowron said that the new unit, with its various services, will help a lot of females in the area.
She explained “It is very important to the town because, before, the equipment was old and if there were any problems, small or big, you had to travel all the way Lancaster which is stressful and you didn't know whether it would be good news or bad news. Now, if anyone has a problem here it will show up on the first appointment.” Ms. Bowron continued “I have Parkinson’s and the radiographer that did my test a month ago did very well to help me.”
Eric Morton, interim chief executive at University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust, said that the opening of the new breast care unit comes as a result of collaboration between several health organizations. He explained “It is great to have this facility, it is exactly what we should be looking to provide. It is as local as it can be to people and we want to provide services which cause patients as little upheaval as possible.”
Dr. Janet Lavelle, Clinical Director of UHMBT’s North Lancashire and South Cumbria Breast Screening Service, said that the new unit is using various screening procedures, such as mammography, to detect breast cancer earlier. She added that women in the area will now be able to check themselves regularly against the disease.
Dr. Lavelle said “All women now get at least one extra screening invitation in their lifetime.” adding “It remains important that women understand how to be ‘breast aware’, examine themselves regularly, and get in touch with their GP immediately if they have any concerns.”
