Charity concerned about removal of breast screening service

A CHARITY has raised concerns to the Royal Berks NHS Foundation Trust about the removal of a breast screening service from Henley.

As reported by the Henley Standard earlier this month, residents must now travel to Reading for the service.

This is due to parking issues at Townlands Memorial Hospital, meaning there is no longer space for the mobile screening van.

Members of The League of Friends of Townlands Hospital sent a letter to the Chief Executive of Royal Berks NHS Foundation Trust, Steve McManus, on Tuesday, asking him to ensure a new service starts in Henley as soon as possible.

Caroline Newton, the charity’s chair, said: “Steve has always been really supportive of local services and our work.

“My belief is that he will try to find a solution as he’ll know the value of local health services, so I’m sure he’ll do what he can.”

Ms Newton said that the committee’s charity “immediately recognised” that removing the service would be a problem, particularly for women who may be less mobile or on low incomes.

The letter warned that the charity fears “this may have a real impact on early diagnosis and outcomes for women in our area.”

The Friends group provides funding for equipment which will improve the experience of staff and patients at the hospital.

Women between the ages of 50 and 71, who are registered with a GP, are invited for the mammogram procedure to check for signs of cancer and abnormalities.

The NHS estimates that regular screening saves 1,300 lives in the UK each year.