Symptomatic Breast Service makes moves to reduce waiting times

NHS Ayrshire & 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).

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 our 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, added:

“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.”