Breast screening service promises same-day X-ray results

A LEADING private hospital in Cork has opened a new €3.5 million breast screening clinic, which promises an appointment within 48 hours and same-day X-ray results.

The Bon Secours Hospital on College Road has transformed its former maternity wing into a new specialist breast centre to provide patients with rapid access to a multi-disciplinary, triple assessment clinic which it says will provide best quality care for women with symptomatic breast problems.

The centre was unveiled to hundreds of city GPs at a event held in the hospital last week.

Triple assessment refers to a three-pronged approach to breast cancer treatment, which involves taking a clinical history of the patient followed by an initial breast examination, then a mammogram or ultrasound, followed by a biopsy, if required.

But 90% of breast assessments result in a completely benign outcome.

“One of the key elements in treating patients with symptomatic breast problems is speed,” said Harry Canning, the hospital manager at Bon Secours Cork.

“Patients must be referred quickly for specialist care and have access to the best possible medical team in order to achieve a positive outcome.

“We have invested significantly in this new breast care service for patients and are delighted with the excellent facilities and multi-disciplinary medical team in place.”

Patients are guaranteed an appointment within 48 hours of making initial contact with the centre, and radiological results are available on the same day as a patient is assessed.

An initial examination will be carried out by a consultant to ascertain whether treatment is required and, depending on the outcome of the examination, the diagnosis is discussed with the patient.

At this point, the multi-disciplinary team begins its work, with radiologists, pathologists, oncologists and specialist care nurses on hand to provide support and, most importantly, ensuring patients receive rapid access to the treatment they require to return to full health.

The Bon Secours Cork is part of the Bon Secours Health System. It has hospitals in Cork, Dublin, Galway and Tralee and the Mount Desert Care Village, Cork.

* The Bon Secours Cork hospital has included an electronic referral request form for its new breast clinic on its website www.bonsecoursireland.org.